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Reducing Lead Contamination from Old City Water Pipes in Tampa Bay

Writer's picture: Eyal Gamili HoltzekerEyal Gamili Holtzeker

Learn about the health risks of lead contamination from old pipes in Tampa Bay drinking water and discover effective testing and filtration solutions to reduce exposure.
Learn about the health risks of lead contamination from old pipes in Tampa Bay drinking water and discover effective testing and filtration solutions to reduce exposure.

Lead contamination in drinking water is a concerning issue for many older cities across the United States. Lead can leach into tap water from old lead service lines and interior plumbing materials. Exposure to even low levels of lead can pose health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. In the Tampa Bay area, lead in drinking water has been an ongoing problem stemming from aging infrastructure. Proactive testing and filtration can help reduce lead levels for safer water.

Sources of Lead in Tampa Bay Drinking Water

There are a few key sources of lead that can contaminate drinking water as it flows through distribution systems in the Tampa Bay region:

Lead Service Lines

Lead service lines are pipes that run from the water main to inside a building, used before the 1980s. Partial lead service lines with lead connectors are also problematic. Corrosive water can cause lead to leach from these older pipes into the water.

Interior Lead Plumbing

Old pipes, fittings, fixtures, and solder made from lead were once common in buildings. Corrosion and erosion of these materials can allow lead to enter the water. Faucets, valves, and other components with brass alloys also contain some lead.

Lead Solder

Lead solder was historically used to join copper pipes. As the solder ages, lead can leach out from joints in the plumbing. Banned in 1986, lead solder may still be present in older infrastructure.

Lead Fixtures and Fittings

Faucets, valves, and other fittings may contain lead in metal alloys even if pipes are lead-free. These components can leach lead into water with prolonged contact, especially hot water.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time. Even low levels of lead in drinking water can pose health risks if consumed regularly. The most at-risk groups are children under age 6 and pregnant women. Possible health effects include:

  • Brain and nervous system damage

  • Learning disabilities and developmental delays

  • Lower IQ levels and impaired cognition

  • Hearing loss

  • Kidney dysfunction and disease

  • Reproductive problems

  • High blood pressure and cardiovascular effects

For children, lead exposure can severely impact brain development, behavior, growth, and future life outcomes. There is no known safe level of lead exposure. Reducing lead in drinking water is crucial for protecting public health, especially child health.

Lead Testing Requirements in Tampa Bay

Given the risks, the EPA and state regulations require public water systems to test for lead. Testing protocols include:

  • Monitoring at customer taps most vulnerable to lead contamination due to plumbing materials and age.

  • Following protocols to collect worst-case samples after prolonged stagnation to detect elevated lead levels.

  • Testing prescribed number of sampling sites based on population served.

  • Public notification if action level over 15 ppb is exceeded in more than 10% of taps sampled.

If elevated lead is detected, the water system must inform users about risks, steps to reduce exposure, and mitigate the problem. Utilities are also required to replace the portion of lead service lines they own when levels are high.

Reducing Lead Exposure from Drinking Water

There are several effective options for reducing lead contamination and exposure from aging plumbing:

Water Testing

Testing your tap water through a certified lab is important to determine if lead is present above recommended levels. This will help determine if treatment is necessary. Aqua-Wise provides comprehensive water testing for homes and businesses in the Tampa region.

Lead Service Line Replacement

Replacing aging lead service lines and connectors with copper or plastic lines is the most direct solution. This prevents lead leaching at the source but can be costly. Many cities offer lead service line replacement programs to protect public health.

Water Treatment Systems

Specialized water treatment equipment can remove lead and prevent leaching. Effective options include:

  • Reverse osmosis systems like the AquaRevive filter out contaminants using a membrane to produce cleaner water. They eliminate over 99% of lead.

  • Activated carbon filters such as AquaCarbonGuard adsorb lead and other contaminants for reduced levels.

  • Water softeners like AquaLux remove hard minerals and metals while preventing pipe corrosion that causes lead leaching.

  • Ozone generators including HydroClear oxidize lead and microbes for cleaner, safer water.

Proper maintenance of treatment systems is essential for effectiveness. Aqua-Wise provides Tampa Bay water treatment installation and service to maximize benefits.

Point-of-Use Filters

For targeted filtration where water is consumed, special faucet mounts and pitcher systems remove lead at the tap. These are affordable options to protect vulnerable groups like children. Frequent filter replacements are needed.

Flushing Pipes

Letting water run from the tap helps flush out lead-containing water that accumulates. Useful after periods of non-use. Cold water flushing is best to avoid lead leaching from pipes.

Corrosion Control

Water chemistry adjustments by the utility can reduce corrosion of pipes that causes lead leaching. Addition of orthophosphates and pH adjustment are common strategies.

Protecting Your Health in the Tampa Region

Lead in drinking water remains an issue with old infrastructure in Tampa Bay and requires proactive precautions. Testing your water and installing treatment solutions if lead is elevated can significantly reduce exposure from aging pipes and plumbing materials. Water softeners, reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, and oxidation effectively remove lead for healthier water.

For the Tampa region, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment provides customized solutions for lead and other contaminant removal. Contact us today at 727-236-7161 to schedule a free water test or consultation on water treatment installations for your home or business. Investing in clean, lead-free water is crucial to protect yourself and your family.

Sources and References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Lead in Drinking Water.” CDC, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/sources/water.htm. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.

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