COLLIER COUNTY REGIONAL WTP Lead Service Line Inventory
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the public main line into your home. If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead—a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or acidic water.
The EPA banned new lead service lines in 1986, but millions still exist across the US.
What does Collier County Regional WTP know about lead in their system?
Collier County Regional WTP serves 216,993 people across the region and draws from groundwater sources. However, the utility has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory.
This doesn't mean there's no lead in the system—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes have lead service lines and where they're located.
Why does an inventory matter?
An inventory is the first step toward fixing the problem. Once a water utility knows where lead service lines are, it can:
- Warn affected customers
- Prioritize replacements
- Plan and fund removal work
- Track progress over time
Without an inventory, homeowners and the utility are working blind.
What should you do right now?
Contact Collier County Regional WTP directly to ask about your specific address:
- Request information about whether your home has a known or suspected lead service line
- Ask about their timeline for completing the inventory
- Ask if they have interim water quality guidance (flushing, filters) while the work is underway
If you're concerned about lead exposure—especially if children under 6 or pregnant women live in your home—contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on testing and next steps.
Funding and timelines
The Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated billions to replace lead service lines nationwide. Ask your utility if Collier County Regional WTP has applied for or received funding and what their replacement timeline looks like.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email your water utility to ask if your address has a known or suspected lead service line
- Request a copy of their lead service line inventory plan and timeline
- If you're pregnant or have young children, contact your pediatrician about testing and precautions
- Review your bill or utility website for updates on lead service line work in your area
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Collier County have lead in the water?
Collier County Regional WTP hasn't yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so it's unclear how many homes are affected. Lead in drinking water typically comes from old pipes, not from the source water itself. Contact your utility to ask about your specific address.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Call Collier County Regional WTP and ask about your address. They may have records of your service line material. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, dull gray, and leaves a black mark when scratched, but this isn't a definitive test.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Collier County?
The utility tests water regularly and maintains it to safe standards. However, if you live in an older home, a lead service line could contaminate your water between the main and your home. If you're concerned, contact your pediatrician or use a certified water filter rated for lead.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary, but the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides federal funding to help. Ask your utility if they offer cost-sharing programs or full replacement coverage for low-income households.