How to use the Lead and Copper Customer Portal
- Type in your property address in the search bar located in the top left corner
- Once the address is selected, window will appear with your property's water service line material information.
Definitions:
Lines Material Type: describes utility and private water service line materials.
Utility Water Service Line Material: material of city owned side of water service line.
Private Water Service Line Material: material of customer owned side of water service line.
What is the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR)?
In 1991, EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. This regulation is known as the Lead and Copper Rule (also referred to as the LCR). Since 1991 the LCR has undergone various revisions. The most recent revision became effective in December 2021, and is called the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The purpose of the LCRR is to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water. Lead and copper are primarily introduced to drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead and copper.
What has the City of Pompano Beach done to comply with this rule?
The City has tested for lead and copper in drinking water and has remained in compliance since 2007. Over the course of several years, the utility has conducted thorough investigations of all service lines and verified each by date of construction or by field inspections. We have created a lead service line inventory map to make sure everyone understands if their home is at risk. We have also provided additional educational materials on how to prevent lead exposure.
Are there health risks associated with exposure to lead and copper in drinking water?
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from various health effects, including increased blood pressure and reproductive problems (in both men and women). For more health related information, visit epa.gov/lead.
How does lead get into drinking water?
It is important to remember that the water that leaves the water treatment plant does not contain lead. The City of Pompano Beach Utilities department is responsible for providing high quality drinking water
which meets all local, state, and federal regulations. However, the utility cannot control the variety of materials used in home plumbing components. As water moves through pipes in older buildings, there's a chance lead can get into the water. This happens when pipes or plumbing parts that contain lead start to break down and release lead particles into the water. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures in older homes.
How can I test water quality in my home?
Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful amounts of lead in your drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1–800–426–4791 or at epa.gov/safewater/lead. A list of state certified laboratories can be found on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website.
How can I reduce lead exposure in my home?
You can minimize the potential for lead exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Clean your faucets screen (aerator) regularly.
- Consider using a water filter certified to removed lead and replace the filter when needed.
- Before drinking, flush your pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes
If you have any questions or would like to request more information, please call Customer Service at 954-786-4637.
Additional Resources:
- EPA: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
- EPA’s Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements- Fact Sheet
- Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead
- AWWA: Together, Let's Get the Lead Out (Video)
- City of Pompano Beach Utilities Annual Water Quality Report
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- Infographic: Lead in Drinking Water