Lead Service Line Replacement

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) that went into effect on December 16, 2021. The LCRR amended the Lead and Copper Rule (40 CFR sections 141.80-.91).  The City of Panama City is compliant with the original Lead and Copper Rule and will continue to set the standard and provide the highest quality drinking water for our residents.

The LCRR requires all community and non-transient, non-community public water systems to create an inventory of all service lines. Initial lead service line inventories must be submitted to the appropriate DEP Regulatory District Office or Approved County Health Department (ACHD) no later than October 16, 2024.

Lead Service Line Inventory Map

Terms of Use of the map and data: City of Panama City GIS provides this data for use “as is” and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the contained in this map. Each user of this data is responsible for determining its suitability for intended use or purpose.

Take the In-Home Service Line Inspection Survey

As part of a multi-faceted strategy to inventory all service line materials, The City is asking residents to complete an in-home service line inspection to help identify the service line material inside your home - click the link above. 

Please review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) listed below. Please contact the Call Center at (850) 872-3000 option 3 or email callcenter1@panamacity.gov for more information.

  1. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if my home has a lead service line?

Water service line materials may be determined by a number of factors, including:

  • The year your home was built
  • The year your home or property first got water service,
  • The year your home was renovated, or a new home was built on the property.

The installation of lead service lines was prohibited in 1986 and became effective in 1988. If your home was built after 1988 with a new water connection, you should not have a lead service line. Copper service lines became popular in the 1960s so many homes built before 1988 do not have lead service lines.

Please fill out the in-home inspection survey to identify the service line material inside your home.

Does the City of Panama City test for lead?

Panama City drinking water consistently meets or exceeds all state and federal standards for safe drinking water. Hundreds of tests are run throughout the Bay County and water system, from the water supply source to the tap. The City publishes the Water Quality Report that shows the sampling results of Panama City water on an annual basis.

Where can I get my drinking water tested?

Panama City residents can get their water tested for lead at their own expense locally at the following laboratories:

The Water Spigot located at 5806 East Hwy 22, Panama City FL 32404

Phone: (850) 871-1900 | Fax: (850) 871-9303 | Website: The Water Spigot, Inc. Home

What do I do if I have a lead service line?

Please contact the Call Center at (850) 872-3000 option 3 or email callcenter1@panamacity.gov for more information for more information and guidance on how to replace your service line. Even if you have a lead service line, City corrosion control and water treatment practices ensure your drinking water is safe and of high quality. However, replacing your service line is the best way to ensure lead particles never get in your drinking water.

If you have a lead service line, the City recommends you use a certified water filter to remove lead and maximize the safety of your drinking water or when preparing infant formula and food where water is used. You may use non-filtered water for all other uses like showering, dishwashing, laundry, brushing teeth, and irrigation.

What are the effects of lead?

Lead has acute and chronic impacts on the body. Lead exposure causes damage to the brain and kidneys and may interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

Additional information: FDEP Lead Service Line Inventory Information, Lead and Copper Rules 

Who is at risk for lead exposure?

Infants and young children are most susceptible to the risks of lead exposure. The CDC states that “no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.” Because they are growing, children’s bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its damaging effects. Source: EPA, Lead and Copper Rules Revisions