Lead & Copper Sampling

Titusville Water Resources Department periodically tests lead and copper sampled at Titusville residential street addresses as stipulated in our DEP permit.  Any other customers who want lead and copper testing need to hire one of the many private laboratories in the area. For a list of laboratories approved for drinking water analysis, go to the Florida DEP web site and search under "NELAP Certified Laboratory Search."

Titusville monitors the lead and copper levels in its drinking water at different locations in its system in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule. The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires utilities to monitor both lead and copper at customer taps. It also sets standards for pipes, fittings, fixtures, etc. The LCR has been revised several times since its inception.

Revisions to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 2014 make it illegal to install pipe, plumbing fixtures, solder, etc. that do not meet the definition of "lead free."

Developing the Program

Titusville developed a Lead and Copper Sampling Program plan based on water quality parameters established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). As a result, a compendium of 310 residential addresses was established from which samples must be taken. To encourage the participation of the residents at these addresses, a small water bill credit is provided.

Ways to Help Ensure the Quality of Water in Your Home

• Flush cold water taps when household water is not used for more than six hours. Laundry, showering, flushing the toilet, and running the dishwasher are effective methods for flushing pipes.
• Use cold, not hot tap water for drinking or cooking. Hot water may contain metals, sediment, and bacteria that build up in the water heater. If you have household lead sources, hot water can cause lead to be released into your drinking water.
• Replace any water filter cartridges on a routine basis, including filters on your ice maker. Use only a filter certified to remove lead if you have household lead sources.
• Replace old household plumbing and potential lead sources and install "lead free" fixtures that contain 0.25% lead or less.
• Drain your water heater annually to prevent sediment, bacteria and metals from building up in the water heater tank.
• Flush cold water taps after installing new household pipes or fixtures.