The Tampa Water Department has taken steps to provide transparency concerning the city's water infrastructure by making the service line inventory available to the public. This action is part of a recent EPA mandate requiring utilities nationwide to provide such data. As reported by the City of Tampa, residents and business owners can now access information on the type of material that comprises their service lines by visiting tampa.gov/KnowYourPipes. This is particularly significant considering the broader federal push to eliminate lead service lines across the country.

The Water Department has confirmed that lead has never been the standard in their service lines. Additionally, the quality of treated water leaving the plant has been tested, and results have shown no presence of lead. Techniques for compiling the inventory include the use of historical data and on-the-spot material identifications by staff during repairs. For customer-owned segments of the service line, the Department has provided an online form for self-reporting, an effort to aid in the comprehensive assessment of the city's water infrastructure.

The initiative includes ongoing education and risk reduction efforts. To inform residents, educational materials such as door hangers and flyers will be distributed about potential lead exposure from various sources, according to the Tampa government page.

Knowing about service lines may not be enough, as the department emphasizes that lead exposure can come from various sources beyond drinking water. These sources include lead-based paint, dust, cosmetics, and some children's toys and jewelry. Additional information on potential health impacts related to lead is available at Tampa.gov/KnowYourPipes. Residents with questions or needing assistance are encouraged to contact the department's dedicated phone line.