Lead & Copper Updates

EPA Lead and Copper Rule Overview

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated the 1991 Lead and Copper Rule to significantly reduce exposure to lead through the nation’s drinking water. These 2021 and 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) impact utilities across the country.  The City of Jacksonville Beach will continue to meet or exceed federal water quality requirements. 

 

New Rule Improvements

  • All utilities are required to have an inventory of service line material known as Lead Service Line Inventory
  • Strengthens tap sampling requirements
  • Lowers threshold for taking action from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L.
  • Increasing transparent communication and frequency
  • All lead lines to be replaced in 10 years
  • Require testing at local schools and childcare facilities 

 

COJB history with Lead and Copper

The City of Jacksonville Beach has complied with EPA’s Lead and Copper rule since first published in 1991. The City of Jacksonville Beach’s Water Plant has conducted samples for lead and copper according to federal guidelines and has not exceeded an action level. The City regularly tests the water at a selected number of homes/buildings located around the water distribution system. Visit our Water Quality Report page for more information on sampling results (hyperlink to page)

 The drinking water from the City of Jacksonville Beach’s Water Treatment Plant is lead free when it enters the distribution system. The water is then transported to service lines from main lines made of mostly iron or plastic. Pre 1980’s service lines and older indoor plumbing may have lead due to previous standards. Florida banned the use of lead in water systems in 1989. Even up until 2014 “lead-free” plumbing fixtures could have up to 8% lead. If your home was built before January 1989 there may be a chance of lead components or plumbing. If your home was built after 1989, then it is more likely that you do not have lead plumbing. 

 

Water Service Line Inventory

To meet this new requirement the City of Jacksonville Beach must complete an inventory of all connections to the drinking water distribution system. The inventory is used to determine the number of lead service lines in the distribution system. The EPA has the service line classifications divided into four categories; Lead, Galvanized needing replacement, Non- Lead, and Unknown. In order to determine the classification of each service line the City has to verify the material on both sides of the water meter, meaning if the City side line is known to be non-lead but the customer side line after the water meter is unknown the whole service line is classified as unknown possible lead. The City of Jacksonville Beach is required to contact any service line that is classified as lead, galvanized needing replacement, or non-lead. This inventory will be updated and reported annually. 

Copper lead graphic


City is responsible for the water main to meter. Customer is responsible for meter into building/home.

 

 

What does this mean for you?

It will take some time for the City to complete the material inventory list for both sides of all service connections. For any service lines classified as Lead, Galvanized needing replacement, or Unknown will receive a letter from the City stating the status of the line. If your line is known to be non-lead you will not receive a letter. If you receive a letter with an unknown service line status you are encouraged to fill out the online customer questionnaire or the questionnaire mailed to you and send the results to Utilities.Administration@jaxbchfl.net. The City has documentation and records for most of the city side of the meter but does not have easy access to documentation of the material of the customer side. 

 

Next steps if you have an unknown line

Any service lines that are not identified will be classified as unknown. To determine the material on both sides the City will continue to look at building permits, as-builts, and records to update the material of each service line. If you have an unknown service line you can fill out the questionnaire on our website or email results to Utilities.Administration@jaxbchfl.net. You may contact a licensed plumber who can help you determine your service line material and seek out other potential sources of lead in your plumbing. If records or documentation cannot be found on the material of service lines then the City will have to dig a hole on both sides of the water meter to physically verify the material type. 

Concerned if your property contains lead piping?

  • Contact a licensed plumber to help determine your service line material and seek out other potential indoor plumbing sources for lead. Please send service line material information to Utilities.Administration@jaxbchfl.net.
  • You can have your water tested by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection  certified lab. NELAP Certified Laboratory Search | Florida Department of Environmental Protection. You can contact these labs directly for information on cost and sampling procedures.
  • If your water has not been used for several hours, run the cold water faucet for 5 minutes or until it becomes cold before using it for cooking or drinking. Lead is a heavy metal and will sit in the piping, flushing will clear settled lead.
  • Use a water filter that is certified to remove lead. Reliable information on water filter performance standards can be found www.nsf.org
  • Clean your faucet aerators. The screens on plumbing fixtures need to be removed and cleaned regularly as they trap sediment, debris, and metals.
  • Have your child’s blood tested for lead. Contact your local health department or health care provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if your are concerned about exposure.