LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Ohio

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 4,289 public water systems in Ohio, serving approximately 11,124,268 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
4,289
Population served
11,124,268
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Ohio

Ohio's water systems serve 11.1 million residents across 4,289 public water utilities. Lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the main water line—are a concern in older neighborhoods nationwide, and Ohio is no exception.

What you need to know

Currently, Ohio water utilities have not reported known lead service line counts to the EPA's national inventory. This doesn't mean lead lines aren't present; it means the data hasn't been collected or made public yet. Many Ohio homes built before 1986 (when federal restrictions on lead plumbing began) may have lead service lines, especially in older urban areas like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

The three largest systems serving Ohio—Cleveland Public Water System (1.3 million residents), Columbus Public Water System (1.3 million residents), and Cincinnati Public Water System (750,000 residents)—have not yet disclosed lead line inventories.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where pipes are corroded. Children under 6 and pregnant people face the highest health risks. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect brain development in young children.

What Ohio has done so far

Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule, all public water systems must test for lead at the tap and maintain records. Ohio's utilities are required to provide this data on request and to notify customers if lead levels exceed safe limits. However, a complete statewide inventory of service lines—identifying which are lead, galvanized, or unknown material—has not been compiled or published.

No federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) lead service line replacement funding has been reported for Ohio to date.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your local utility to ask if your property has a lead service line and request their lead testing results for your address.
  • Test your water if you're concerned; your utility can provide a free or low-cost lead test kit.
  • For health questions, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
  • Check the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule dashboard for your utility's most recent compliance reports.

Largest public water systems in Ohio

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
CLEVELAND PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH18012121,308,955——
COLUMBUS PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH25044121,305,946——
CINCINNATI PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH3102612750,200——
TOLEDO CITY OFOH4801411360,000——
AKRON CITY PWSOH7700011280,000——
MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER SERVICES 1 PWSOH5701315150,207——
DEL-CO WATER COMPANY, INC.OH2101412150,000——
DAYTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH5703512141,407——
CLERMONT PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH1302212133,059——
YOUNGSTOWN CITY PWSOH5002303130,530——
BUTLER CO. WATER DISTRICT 2 PWSOH0900303116,572——
CANTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH7608112107,113——
AQUA OHIO - MASSILLON PWSOH760451295,636——
MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER SERVICES 2 PWSOH570150383,033——
WARREN COUNTYOH830151281,975——
LAKE COUNTY WEST WATER SUBDISTRICTOH430241178,379——
AQUA OHIO - MENTOROH430151174,500——
RURAL LORAIN CO. WATER AOH470180373,125——
ELYRIA WATER DEPARTMENTOH470041168,000——
LIMA CITYOH020081165,619——
LORAIN CITY PWSOH470071164,152——
HAMILTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMOH090401262,447——
SPRINGFIELD CITY PWSOH120441260,680——
AQUA OHIO - STRUTHERSOH500161158,551——
FINDLAY CITY PWSOH320011154,040——

Cities in Ohio

More on lead pipes in Ohio

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Ohio

How do I know if my home in Ohio has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility directly with your address; they can check their records. If the line was installed before 1986, it's more likely to be lead. You can also hire a plumber to visually inspect the line where it enters your home—lead appears dull gray and is soft enough to scratch with a coin.

Is lead in Ohio drinking water a big problem?

Ohio hasn't published a complete inventory yet, so the full extent is unknown. However, lead service lines are common in older neighborhoods across the state. Testing your water and knowing your line material is the best way to assess your personal risk.

What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula, and contact your utility to report the result. For long-term protection, consider flushing the lead service line by replacing it; ask your utility about replacement programs or financing options.

Is Ohio providing money to replace lead service lines?

No federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been reported for Ohio so far. Contact your city or county water utility to ask about local replacement programs, grants, or low-interest loans.