WINTER SPRINGS, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory

Winter Springs, a city serving 34,657 residents in Florida, draws its water from groundwater sources. Like all US water systems, it is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines — the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.

What we know right now

As of now, Winter Springs has not yet published a public lead service line inventory. This means the city either has not completed its inventory count, or the data is not yet available online.

The EPA requires all water systems to have completed their lead service line inventories by October 2024. If your city's inventory isn't public yet, contact the utility directly to ask:

• How many lead service lines does the system have?
• When will the full inventory be available?
• Can they tell you if your address has a lead service line?

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the most direct pathway for lead to enter your home's drinking water, especially in older homes. Even if your water utility treats the water to prevent corrosion, lead can still leach from the pipes themselves—particularly if water sits in pipes overnight or over several hours.

If you live in an older home (pre-1986, when lead was banned in new plumbing), there is a higher chance your service line contains lead.

What you can do now

You don't need to wait for the full city inventory to protect your family.

Test your water. Contact your local utility and ask if they offer free lead testing, or use a certified lab. Testing takes a few days and costs $20–100 if you pay privately.

Use a filter. If testing shows lead, or if you live in a pre-1986 home and haven't tested, NSF-certified filters (look for "lead removal" on the label) can reduce lead in drinking and cooking water. Replace them on schedule.

Run water before use. If your home's water sits in pipes for more than a few hours (like overnight), flush cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking. This clears water that's been sitting in the pipes.

Ask about replacement. Some states and utilities offer grants or low-interest loans to replace lead service lines. The city may have information on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's lead line replacement funding.

Next steps for residents

• Contact the Winter Springs water utility to request your service line inventory data and ask about your home's status.
• Schedule a free or low-cost lead test through your utility or local health department.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or OB/GYN about lead exposure.
• Check whether Florida or the city offers lead line replacement assistance programs.

Does Winter Springs have lead in the water?

Lead typically enters tap water through lead service lines—the pipes connecting the main to your home—not from the treatment plant. Winter Springs' inventory status is not yet public. Contact the utility directly to learn if your address has a lead service line, and consider testing your water.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

The best way is to contact Winter Springs' water utility and ask for your service line inventory data by address. You can also look at your property records or the visible pipe at the meter. A magnet test (lead is not magnetic) can help, but a utility employee or plumber's assessment is most reliable.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Winter Springs?

Winter Springs treats its water to meet EPA safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can still enter your water after treatment. Testing is the only way to know your home's actual lead level. If concerned, use a filter, flush pipes, or drink bottled water while you arrange a test.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on line length and soil conditions. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides federal funding; contact Winter Springs or your state health department about grants or low-interest loans available in Florida.