Winter Haven, FL Thursday, January 22 2026 – The City of Winter Haven has released an update addressing recent third-party mailers received by some residents concerning lead and galvanized water service lines.
According to the city’s statement, residents have reported receiving letters from third parties over the past several days. These mailers present an urgent tone and indicate that immediate action is required related to lead or copper pipes on private property. The city confirmed that these letters were not sent by the City of Winter Haven.
The city stated that receipt of such a third-party letter does not constitute an official notice. It also does not indicate that the recipient is out of compliance, or at risk of noncompliance, with any city, state, or federal regulation.
Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Revised Lead and Copper Rule, water utilities nationwide, including Winter Haven, are required to maintain a systemwide inventory of service line materials. Utilities must send annual informational notices to properties where service line materials are listed as unknown or where lead or galvanized components are present in the inventory. These notices are for informational purposes only and do not represent enforcement actions.
The city noted that a designation of “unknown” for a service line does not mean lead is present. In many cases, the label applies because field verification has not yet been completed, and lead is typically not found upon inspection.
For accurate and current information, the city maintains an interactive map on its website displaying the latest data from the ongoing service line inventory. The map includes areas that have been verified as well as those pending field confirmation. The webpage also provides details on the Lead and Copper program, including frequently asked questions and answers. The resource is available at: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/499/Lead-Service-Line-Replacement-Program.
The city outlined its procedure for contacting residents when verification identifies a lead service line. In such cases, the city will notify the property owner directly. Official communications:
- Appear on City letterhead
- Feature Water Department branding
- Describe work completed on the city-owned portion of the line
- Provide options, resources, and next steps for the private-property side, where applicable
The city specified that its official communications do not include threats of enforcement, demands for immediate action, references to timelines or discounts, or statements that residents are “non-compliant.”
The city advised residents who receive a notice that appears urgent, pressures quick action, or causes concern to verify the information directly with the city before proceeding.
For questions or assistance in confirming information, residents may contact the city at 863-291-5678. Customer Service Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SOURCE: CITY OF WINTER HAVEN
