HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES Lead Service Line Inventory
HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES serves about 209,000 people in Florida. This page explains what we know about lead service lines in their water system and how to find out if you have one.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main buried under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s—especially before 1950—there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. When water sits in these pipes overnight or during low-use periods, lead can leach into your tap water.
Lead in drinking water poses real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. It's not something to panic about, but it's worth taking seriously.
What we know about this water system
HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in their system. As of the latest available data, we don't have counts of how many service lines are lead, galvanized (which can also contain lead), or non-lead.
Under federal law, water utilities must inventory their lead and galvanized service lines and create a plan to replace them. HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES is required to have this information—it's not optional.
How to find out if you have a lead service line
Contact your water utility directly. Call HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES and ask:
- "Do I have a lead or galvanized service line?"
- "Where can I see your lead service line inventory?"
- "What's your timeline for replacing lead lines?"
Most utilities can tell you based on your address and their records, even if their full inventory isn't public yet.
You can also check your home yourself by looking at the service line where it enters your house (usually in the basement, crawlspace, or outside foundation). Lead is soft and dull gray; copper is reddish-brown; and PVC is white or gray plastic. If you're unsure, a plumber can identify it for you.
If you find lead
A lead service line doesn't automatically mean unsafe water, but it's a real concern. The best solution is replacement. Until then:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking
- Use a certified lead filter if replacement isn't immediately possible
- Have young children's blood lead levels checked by a pediatrician
Next steps for residents
- Contact HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES to ask about your specific service line (ask for their lead line hotline or customer service).
- Request their lead service line inventory and replacement plan timeline.
- Check your home's age and service line material yourself if the utility doesn't have immediate answers.
- Contact a pediatrician if you're concerned about lead exposure, especially for young children.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES with your address—they can tell you based on their records. You can also inspect the pipe where it enters your home; lead is soft, dull gray, and easy to scratch with a fingernail. A plumber can confirm if you're unsure.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website for guidance on health risks and testing.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
The best long-term solution is replacement through your utility. While waiting, run cold water 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified lead filter. Contact your utility about replacement programs or funding.
Has HCWRC/NORTHWEST UTILITIES completed their lead inventory?
As of the latest data, their full inventory status is not yet available publicly. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline and whether they have information for your address.