Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Ensuring Clean, Safe Water for All Winter Haven Residents

At the City of Winter Haven, we’re committed to delivering safe and reliable drinking water to every home and business. As part of this commitment, we’re working to replace aging lead and galvanized water service lines across the city. This initiative is in response to a nation-wide federal mandate and aligns with our dedication to community health and safety.

Our Lead Service Line Replacement Program is designed to:

  • Service Line Inventory: We’re auditing service lines to determine the presence of any lead components.
  • Replacement Process: Identified lead service lines will be replaced promptly.
  • Private-Side Galvanized Lines: We’ll provide resources to help property owners address galvanized lines on private property, which can absorb lead over time.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with EPA’s Revised Lead and Copper Rule, provide transparency to the process, and keep Winter Haven ahead of the mandated schedule.

This page will guide you through the process, including what to expect if your service line is being replaced, how to check your water lines, and how to keep your water safe.

Why Are We Doing This?

Lead and galvanized water lines can sometimes pose health risks by allowing harmful particles into your drinking water. The use of lead in construction was a common practice in the water industry, but it was stopped in 1989 when the EPA prohibited the use of lead in water systems. As part of a nation-wide federal mandate to remove any remaining lead components, alongside our continued commitment to your safety, we are working to replace remaining lead lines and components across the city. This will help ensure the highest quality water for your home and the Winter Haven community.

What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood?

You may see crews in the field assessing service lines. Once lead lines are identified, they will be scheduled for replacement. An Interactive Map below allows residents to see ongoing work locations and check if your area is impacted.

The map below utilizes predictive modeling, combined with field testing, to flag areas that may have lead or galvanized pipes that need replacement. If your address is flagged in the map below, City crews will be in the field to verify all connections. If it is verified that your property's system is impacted by a lead pipe or component, the lead pieces will be replaced and staff will provide you with a letter detailing the work done and next steps. You will also be provided a filter kit and instructions on what needs to happen on the private property side. 

What happens if I receive a letter stating my water line material is unknown?

  • The EPA requires us to send a letter to all properties whose service line material has not yet been verified by field testing. This does not mean your line is lead. 
  • Crews will be completing field testing throughout the service area and you will receive a follow-up information once the service line material has been confirmed.

What happens if my service line is lead?

  • All lead service lines identified will be replaced by our crews.
  • Homeowners will receive a notice with instructions on inspecting private lines, replacement steps, and available temporary solutions if immediate replacement is not feasible.

Why would a line on private property need to be replaced?

A line replacement on the property side of the meter is necessary if:

  1. Lead service lines from the water main to the meter are confirmed and replaced by City staff, and
  2. Lead or galvanized lines exist on the property side of the meter.

Note: Galvanized lines can absorb lead from lead service lines and must be replaced after the city-owned line is replaced.

What needs to be replaced on the private property side?

If notified to replace the line on your property, the replacement should start from the meter to the home’s foundation, typically connected at the main shut-off valve.

An image showing City ownership to the meter box and private ownership beyond.

What do I Need to Do?

If your line is identified for replacement, don’t worry – we’ll handle most of the work. Here’s what happens next:

Step One: Check the Service Line on the Private Property Side

As a property owner or resident, you are responsible for maintaining the portion of the service line that runs from the water meter to your home or building. This is called the customer service line. The EPA recommends homeowners inspect the service line. Any lead or galvanized pipe or components found should be replaced by the property owner. A licensed plumber can assist with both the inspection and pipe replacement. 

Please note, the cost of replacing the customer service line is the responsibility of the property owner.

Step Two: Flush Your System

Now that the water service line has been replaced, it’s important to flush your water system to remove any particles that may have entered your plumbing during the replacement. Here’s how to do it:

Flushing Instructions:

  1. Find all faucets in your home and outdoor taps (like hose bibs). Include laundry tubs, bathtubs, and showers as flushing points.
  2. Remove aerators and screens from all faucets and showerheads, if possible. This will allow for a more thorough flush.
  3. Start flushing from the lowest floor in your house. Open all cold water faucets at full pressure. Avoid using hot water.
  4. Let the water run for 30 minutes to fully flush the system.
  5. Turn off faucets in reverse order, starting with the first one you opened.
  6. Clean the aerators and screens by soaking them in white vinegar and scrubbing with a brush. Reassemble and replace them after cleaning.
  7. You will receive a credit to offset the water used to flush your system.


If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure that your water remains safe and clean. For additional information on the nation-wide effort to remove lead components from water systems, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule. 

City of Winter Haven Water Department Contact:

Karen Francois
Phone: 863-298-5501
Email: KFrancois@MyWinterHaven.com