Lead Service Lines in Sarasota
What you need to know
The City of Sarasota water system serves about 55,364 people. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
As of now, the city has not publicly inventoried its lead service lines. This means there is no official count of how many homes or buildings in Sarasota are connected to the water main through lead pipes—sometimes called lead service lines (LSLs). Without an inventory, the utility and residents cannot see the full picture of lead exposure risk in the system.
Why this matters
A lead service line is a pipe made of lead that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1990s, or if your service line was never replaced, there is a possibility it could contain lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe is old and corroded.
The safest assumption: if your home was built before 1988 and you don't know the material of your service line, there's a real chance it could be lead or galvanized steel (which can also contain lead).
What Sarasota should do next
Federal law now requires all water utilities to develop and publish a lead service line inventory by October 2024. Sarasota needs to:
1. Conduct a physical survey of service lines in the system, or use water billing records and historical construction data to identify likely lead pipes. 2. Create a public map or list showing which neighborhoods or street segments have known or suspected lead service lines. 3. Share results transparently so homeowners can find out if their property is affected.
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (revised in 2021) also requires utilities to replace a percentage of lead service lines each year if they know lead is present.
What you can do now
Even without an official inventory, you have options:
- Contact the City of Sarasota water utility directly and ask: "What material is my service line?" They may have records or can send a technician to inspect.
- Test your water at home using a certified lab. A simple test costs $20–$50 and tells you if lead is present in your tap water.
- Check your home's age and history. If it was built before 1988, older service lines are more likely.
- Install a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53) as a temporary safeguard while you investigate.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit the City of Sarasota's water utility to ask about your service line material and request an inspection if needed.
- Order a lead water test kit from an EPA-certified lab in Florida.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about drinking water precautions.
- Check back with the utility in coming months for the required lead service line inventory.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Sarasota have lead in its water?
The City of Sarasota has not yet published a lead service line inventory, so the exact number of lead pipes is unknown. To find out if lead is in your specific tap water, contact the utility or order a certified water test.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Sarasota water utility and ask them to check your property records or send a technician to inspect the service line at your home. If your house was built before 1988, the risk is higher.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Sarasota?
Sarasota's water is treated and tested regularly. However, if you have an older home with a lead service line, lead can leach into your water at the tap. A simple water test is the best way to know if lead is present in your home.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Test your tap water, contact your water utility about your service line, and consider a lead-certified water filter (NSF 53) as a temporary measure. If you have young children, speak to your pediatrician.