New EPA requirements to identify sources of lead

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a new requirement for all public water utilities to develop and publish an inventory of known and suspected lead water lines within their service area. Toho expanded its Lead and Copper Program to meet this requirement.

Lead or copper found in tap water is typically caused by underground pipes, plumbing, solder, and fixtures in older buildings. The federal government banned lead pipes in the late 1980s. Properties built after 1988 are unlikely to have lead. The illustration below explains the location and ownership of service lines and potential sources of lead.  

EPA Information
Image of Kissimmee neighborhood.
The illustration shows that the pipe that runs from the water main in the street to the building is called a service line. As water runs through lead service lines or fixtures the lead can dissolve or break off into tiny particles that may end up in tap water. Toho is responsible for the service line up to and including the water meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the water meter to their building. Maintaining the service line is typically a shared responsibility.
Gráfica en español

The illustration shows that the pipe that runs from the water main in the street to the building is called a service line. As water runs through lead service lines or fixtures the lead can dissolve or break off into tiny particles that may end up in tap water. Toho is responsible for the service line up to and including the water meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the water meter to their building. Maintaining the service line is typically a shared responsibility. 

 

Health effects

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems. 

Inventory and inspections

Toho completed an inventory of service line materials in our service area in 2024 using historical data from before 1989, physical inspections at more than 400 randomly selected addresses of properties built before 1989, and extensive statistical analysis. Based on this proven statistical model for the inspection process, Toho did not identify lead service lines within our service area.

Customers may look up their property address on the interactive map below to see how their water service line is categorized.

The categories of service line materials are:   

  • Non-Lead (Verified) – the service line was physically inspected  
  • Non-Lead (Record) – the house/building was built after the lead ban
  • Non-Lead (Statistical) – a statistical analysis determined there is less than 1 percent chance the service line is lead  
Technician checking inside meter box.

Service Line Inventory Map

Learn more about the inspection process

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Replacement plan

Since we have not identified any lead service lines, Toho has not developed a replacement plan. However, if you suspect that there is lead solder or there are fixtures that contain lead in your home’s internal  plumbing, follow the tips below to reduce your lead exposure risk.  

EPA Steps For Reducing Lead
Image of construction worker digging a hole.
The graphic shows how to reduce lead if you suspect or have pipes made of lead or fixtures with lead/copper.
Gráfica en español

The graphic shows how to reduce lead if you suspect or have pipes made of lead or fixtures with lead/copper.

 

Common Questions

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Questions

This page will be updated as new information becomes available. If you have any questions, please call us at 407-944-5000 or email lcp@tohowater.com.