Lead Service Lines in Taft Water Association
What you need to know
Taft Water Association serves about 4,200 people in Florida. Like many smaller water systems across the country, it has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect public water mains to individual homes.
Why this matters: Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially when water is corrosive or sits in pipes overnight. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development. If you don't know whether your home has a lead service line, it's worth finding out.
Current inventory status
Taft Water Association has not yet inventoried its lead service lines. This is not unusual for smaller systems, but it means you won't find a public list of affected addresses right now.
The utility is required by federal law to complete this inventory and share findings with customers by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). Ask your utility directly where they stand on this deadline.
What you can do now
Contact Taft Water Association directly. Ask:
- Do they know whether your specific address has a lead service line?
- What is their timeline for completing the full inventory?
- Do they offer free testing or have testing resources available?
Get your water tested. Even without knowing your service line material, you can have your tap water tested for lead. Call your county health department or ask Taft Water Association for recommended labs.
Reduce exposure while you wait. If lead is a concern in your home:
- Let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (longer if water sits for hours)
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches lead more easily
- Clean aerators (screens at tap ends) monthly, as lead particles can collect there
- Consider a certified lead-removing filter if testing shows elevated levels
For health questions, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline. Lead exposure is preventable, and there are straightforward steps you can take.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Taft Water Association (PWSID: FL3481326) to ask about their lead service line inventory progress
- Request free or low-cost water testing through your utility or county health department
- If testing shows lead above 15 ppb, ask your utility about partial or full service line replacement options
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have children under 6 or are pregnant
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Taft Water Association have lead in the water?
Taft Water Association has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines, so a comprehensive answer isn't available. Contact the utility directly to ask about your specific address. You can also have your tap water tested independently to check for lead.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
The best way is to contact Taft Water Association and ask about your address. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home (often in the basement or crawlspace)—lead pipes are soft, gray, and leave a mark if you scrape them gently with a coin. Water testing alone won't tell you about the service line, but it will tell you if lead is actually in your water.
Is lead service line replacement expensive?
Full replacement can cost $3,000–$25,000 depending on your location and property, but many utilities and state programs now offer cost-sharing or rebates. Ask Taft Water Association whether they have a replacement program or can point you toward local funding options.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Start by testing your tap water for lead—results usually come back in a few days. Meanwhile, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and baby formula. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about testing recommendations.