If lead is found in tap water, it is typically caused by underground pipes, plumbing, and fixtures in older buildings
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2025) - Hillsborough County is committed to delivering safe drinking water. Part of that commitment includes comprehensive sampling for lead.
In addition to the sampling that already occurs, Hillsborough County Water Resources has expanded its lead and copper program to identify where lead pipes may be present in the County's system as part of a new requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hillsborough County has launched a new tool to help residents look up their service lines to see the testing that has been done.
Residents and water customers can visit HCFL.gov/LeadAndCopper to learn more about how to look up their water service lines.
The federal Lead and Copper Rule requires all community drinking water systems to regularly test a sample of high-risk homes for lead at the tap. Hillsborough County conducts regular testing throughout the water service area in adherence with the federal and state water quality monitoring rules. In Florida, these rules are enforced by Florida's Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) programs.
Hillsborough County tests drinking water for lead before it leaves the treatment plants. If lead or copper are found in tap water, it is typically caused by underground pipes, plumbing, solder, and fixtures in older buildings. Lead and copper are also naturally occurring metals.
The federal government banned lead pipes in the late 1980s. Hillsborough County modified the County building codes on May 1, 1980, to remove lead as an approved pipe material for plumbing. It is unlikely that any properties built after 1982 have lead service lines.