The City of Opa-locka is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule to tell you when the service line that connects your property to our water main is made of lead, is galvanized pipe that requires replacement, or has a material we have not yet identified. Our reco rds indicate your service line falls into one of these categories: ☐  Lead service line ☐  Galvanized service line requiring replacement (GRR) ☐  Service line of unknown material, may contain lead A service line of “unknown” material is one we have not yet verified; until we confirm it, we must treat it as if it may contain lead. Health effects of lead There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.   Health effects of copper Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.   Steps you can take to reduce your exposure Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Never use hot tap water, which dissolves lead more quickly. Run your water to flush out lead. If water has not been used for several hours, run the tap until it is noticeably colder (about 30 seconds to 2 minutes) before drinking or cooking. Regularly clean your faucet aerator (the screen on the end of the faucet) where particles can collect. Consider using a filter certified by an accredited body (such as NSF/ANSI) to reduce lead, and maintain it per the manufacturer’s instructions. Use bottled or filtered water for preparing infant formula when possible. Have your child’s blood lead level tested and talk to your health care provider; the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County can provide guidance. You can have your tap water tested You may request that the City of Opa-locka collect a tap water sample at your property to test for lead. Use the contact information below to request sampling. Replacing lead and galvanized service lines The City has prepared (or is preparing) a Service Line Replacement Plan describing how lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines will be replaced over time. You may request a copy or view it online using the contact information below. There are opportunities to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines. If you are responsible for a portion of the replacement cost under applicable law or tariff, information about financing and assistance programs is available from the City on request. When you notify the City that you are replacing your portion of a lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement service line, the City is required to replace its portion of that service line. If your service line material is “unknown” If your line is shown as unknown, it may be lead. You can help verify the material, for example, by inspecting the pipe where it enters your home or participating in the City’s identification efforts. Contact us to learn how. If you disagree with our records If you believe the service line category shown above is incorrect, please notify the City so we can review and, if appropriate, update our service line inventory. Contact us City of Opa-locka, Public Works Department 12950 NW 42 Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054 Phone: 305-953-2868, ext. 1450 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.opalockafl.gov This notice is provided under 40 CFR 141.85(e) and Chapter 62-555 / 62-560, F.A.C. The City of Opa-locka’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards; lead generally enters drinking water from service lines and household plumbing rather than from the source water. Last posted: July 1, 2026.The post Important Information About Lead in Your Drinking Water first appeared on Miami's Community News. ...read more read less