St. Joseph's Hospital Water System: Lead Service Line Information
St. Joseph's Hospital serves approximately 4,454 people in Florida through a groundwater system. Like all public water systems in the U.S., it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines and share that information with customers.
What we know about this water system
St. Joseph's Hospital has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. A lead service line is a pipe made of lead that connects the main water line under the street to a building. If present, these pipes can leach lead into drinking water, especially in hot water or water that sits in pipes overnight.
The fact that an inventory is not yet available does not mean lead service lines are present—it means the system's inventory process is still ongoing or data has not been made public.
How to find your building's status
Contact the water system directly. Call or email St. Joseph's Hospital's water department and ask:
- Whether your building has a lead service line
- What they know about the pipe materials in your service line
- When a full inventory will be published
- Whether water testing is available to you
Most hospitals have facility management or environmental health departments that handle these inquiries. A simple phone call to the main switchboard can point you to the right team.
About groundwater systems
St. Joseph's Hospital draws water from groundwater sources. Groundwater systems have different lead risks than surface water systems, but lead service lines pose the same risk regardless of the source. If your building was constructed before 1986—when lead was phased out of plumbing materials—testing is especially worthwhile.
Reducing lead exposure while you wait
If you're concerned about lead in your water right now:
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster.
- Let water run for 30 seconds in the morning before using it (this flushes the line).
- Consider a certified lead-removal filter on your tap if you want extra assurance while the inventory process continues.
Next steps for residents
- Contact St. Joseph's Hospital and ask about your building's lead service line status and when the inventory will be public.
- Request water testing if you have a young child, are pregnant, or want direct confirmation about lead in your water.
- Check back with this page periodically, as inventory data may be published over time.
- Visit the EPA's lead information site (epa.gov/lead) for health guidance and testing resources.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does St. Joseph's Hospital have lead in the water?
The water system has not yet published a lead service line inventory, so it's unknown whether lead pipes are present. Contact the hospital directly to ask about your specific building's service line materials.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Lead service lines are usually found in buildings built before 1986. You can contact St. Joseph's Hospital to ask about your building, or request a water test. A certified plumber can also inspect your pipes if accessible.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead exposure can affect children's development. If you have concerns about lead and your child's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. The CDC has specific guidance for families at risk of lead exposure.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead right now?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking, let water run for 30 seconds each morning, and ask St. Joseph's Hospital about testing. You can also install a certified lead-removal filter while waiting for more information.