Residents across Gulfport have received letters regarding water service lines as part of a nationwide effort to identify and address materials in water systems in accordance with updated EPA guidelines.

We want to provide important context and reassurance about this matter.

1. This is part of a nationwide effort.
The letters you received are part of a federally mandated initiative by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring all cities and water utilities in the United States to identify the material of service lines (pipes connecting homes to the water main). This is not unique to Gulfport and is happening across the country as part of updated EPA Lead and Copper Rule revisions.

2. Your water is safe and tested regularly.
Gulfport’s water meets or exceeds all state and federal safety standards. It is tested regularly, and our annual Water Quality Reports demonstrate our compliance with the highest standards for drinking water. The letters are related to the materials used in service lines and do not indicate that your drinking water is unsafe or contaminated.

View Annual Water Reports:
https://www.gulfport-ms.gov/water-quality/

3. Purpose of the letters.
The purpose of this notification is to identify whether your service line contains lead, galvanized materials, or is of unknown material. Cities nationwide are working to complete inventories of service lines by the EPA’s deadline. In some cases, the material of certain service lines is unknown, and additional testing or investigation will be conducted to gather more information.

4. Gulfport’s commitment to transparency and safety.
The City of Gulfport is actively working with state and federal agencies to monitor, maintain, and improve our water systems. We remain committed to ensuring public safety and addressing any concerns promptly.

5. Resources for more information.
To learn more about the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, please visit https://www.epa.gov/…/lead-and-copper-rule….

If you have further questions, please contact the Gulfport Water Department at 228-868-5742.

Reassurance:
We understand these letters may cause confusion, but we want to emphasize that this is a proactive, nationwide effort to ensure the safety and quality of water systems across the country. Gulfport’s water remains safe for use, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work through this important process.