Lead Contamination in Drinking Water Around Tampa Bay, Florida

Introduction

Lead contamination in drinking water is a serious health concern, especially for children. Even small amounts of lead can cause neurological damage and other health issues. Many older homes, schools, and businesses around Tampa Bay have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder that can leach lead into the water supply. Knowing where lead may be present and taking steps to reduce exposure is critical for the health of our communities.

Presence of Lead in Drinking Water

Lead rarely occurs naturally in water supplies. The primary sources of lead contamination come from the corrosion of old lead pipes, lead-based solder used to join copper pipes until 1987, and brass fixtures that contain some lead. Lead can leach from these sources into the water flowing through the distribution system and household plumbing.

The EPA and state regulations require water systems to monitor for lead at customer taps. If lead levels exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb) in more than 10% of taps sampled, the system must take action to control corrosion and inform the public.

While most utilities keep lead levels low, some homes, schools, and businesses around Tampa Bay have elevated lead levels due to old lead plumbing components on their properties. This is a particular issue in older neighborhoods with homes built before 1986.

Health Concerns of Lead Exposure

Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal that is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. Even low levels of lead in blood can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. Children are most susceptible as their growing bodies absorb lead more readily.

Lead exposure can impair growth, behavior, and development in children. It is associated with a lower IQ, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, and many other issues. In adults, lead poisoning causes increased blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states there is no known safe level of lead in children's blood. Action should be taken to reduce lead in drinking water whenever it exceeds 1 ppb, which is far lower than the EPA limit of 15 ppb.

Locations with Lead Concerns in the Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay and its vicinity are not isolated from the issue of lead contamination in drinking water. While it's essential to note that lead contamination isn't widespread across all locations, several counties, cities, and neighborhoods in this region have reported varying levels of lead in their well water or city water. These areas include:

Pinellas County

• Bay Pines

• Belleair Beach

• Clearwater

• Clearwater Beach

• Crystal Beach

• Dunedin

• Indian Rocks Beach

• Largo

• Oldsmar

• Ozona

• Palm Harbor

• Pinellas Park

• Safety Harbor

• Saint Petersburg

• Seminole

• Tarpon Springs

Pasco County

• Aripeka

• Crystal Springs

• Dade City

• Holiday

• Hudson

• Lacoochee

• Land O Lakes

• New Port Richey

• Port Richey

• Saint Leo

• San Antonio

• Spring Hill

• Trilby

• Wesley Chapel

• Zephyrhills

Hillsborough County

• Apollo Beach

• Balm

• Brandon

• Dover

• Durant

• Gibsonton

• Keystone

• Lithia

• Lutz

• Mango

• Odessa

• Plant City

• Riverview

• Ruskin

• Seffner

• Sun City

• Sydney

• Tampa

• Trinity

• Thonotosassa

• Valrico

• Westchase

• Wimauma

The presence of lead in drinking water is a matter of significant concern, primarily because lead exposure, even in small amounts, can have severe health implications. Older urban neighborhoods with aging infrastructure are most at risk. However, newer plumbing can also contain some lead. The only way to know if your water contains lead is to have it tested by a certified lab.

Health Concerns Associated with Lead Contamination

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause a range of health problems when ingested, especially by children and pregnant women. The health effects of lead exposure include:

• Cognitive Impairment: Lead exposure can impair cognitive function in children, leading to lower IQ levels, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

• Developmental Delays: Young children exposed to lead can experience developmental delays, affecting their growth and overall well-being.

• Neurological Damage: Lead can damage the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches, mood disorders, and even seizures in severe cases.

• Hypertension: Lead exposure in adults can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which, in turn, can lead to cardiovascular problems.

Given the gravity of these health concerns, it is crucial to address lead contamination in drinking water promptly and effectively.

Water Treatment Solutions to Eliminate Lead Contamination

Fortunately, there are advanced water treatment solutions available that can effectively eliminate lead contamination from your drinking water. Here are some recommended systems:

AquaLux Water Softener

The AquaLux Water Softener is an effective solution for lead removal. It not only softens hard water but also includes a filtration component to eliminate lead and other contaminants.

AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter

The AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter is specifically designed to remove lead and other harmful substances. Its catalytic carbon filtration process ensures efficient lead removal.

AquaBlue Whole House Filter System

The AquaBlue Whole House Filter System provides comprehensive filtration, including lead removal, for your entire home.

AquaGuard UV SYSTEM for Bacteria Removal

For those concerned about both lead and bacteria, the AquaGuard UV SYSTEM is an ideal choice. It uses UV technology to kill bacteria and includes a lead filtration component.

Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System

The Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System is effective in reducing lead levels, and it also addresses other water quality issues.

HydroClear Ozone Generator for Heavy Metals and Bacteria

The HydroClear Ozone Generator is an advanced solution that can eliminate heavy metals like lead and bacteria, ensuring your water is safe and clean.

AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System

The AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System is highly efficient in removing lead and a wide range of contaminants through the process of reverse osmosis.

HydroTech Pro Commercial Water Treatment Systems

For commercial establishments, the HydroTech Pro Commercial Water Treatment Systems offer tailored solutions for lead removal and overall water quality improvement.

WellFusion Well Water Treatment Systems

If you rely on well water, the WellFusion Well Water Treatment Systems are designed to address lead contamination and other well-specific concerns.

Additional Resources

For more information on water quality and related topics, you can explore the following resources:

• Floridan Aquifer: Learn about the aquifer system that plays a crucial role in Florida's water supply.

• Health Effects of Hard Water and Contaminants on Personal Care: Understand how water quality can impact personal care routines.

To ensure the safety of your drinking water and protect your health and the health of your loved ones, it's essential to take action today. Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers a range of effective water treatment systems designed to eliminate lead and other contaminants. Take the first step towards cleaner, safer water by scheduling your FREE Water Test Today. Call us at 727-236-7161 or click here.