LIMA CITY Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know about lead pipes in Lima
Lima City Water serves about 65,600 people in Ohio. Like many older water systems across the US, Lima may have lead service lines—the pipes connecting the water main in the street to homes built before the 1980s.
Lead service lines are a real concern. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. The EPA and CDC recommend testing if you're unsure, and taking steps to reduce exposure if lead is present.
Lima City's inventory status
The current situation: Lima City has not yet completed a full inventory of its lead service lines. The utility is required by federal law to identify and map all lead lines by 2026. An incomplete or missing inventory means you won't find a public list of affected addresses yet.
This doesn't mean your home is unsafe—it means the data isn't organized publicly yet. Many water systems are still in the early stages of this work.
What Lima City should be doing
By law, Lima City must:
- Survey all water service lines and determine which are lead
- Publish the results for residents
- Create a plan to replace lead lines
- Prioritize replacing lines in homes with children or pregnant residents
You can ask the utility directly whether they've started this work and what their timeline is.
What you can do now
Get your water tested. Contact Lima City and ask if they offer free lead testing kits. If not, you can buy a certified testing kit online or through a lab. Testing tells you what's actually in your water right now.
Check your home's age and plumbing. If your house was built before 1986, the service line connecting to the main is more likely to be lead. Older interior pipes may also contain lead solder or brass fittings.
Reduce lead exposure while you wait. Run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the line has been idle. Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves lead faster). These are small steps, but they help.
Stay informed. As Lima City develops its inventory and replacement plan, you'll want to know what it finds and whether your area is included in early replacement phases.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Lima City Water directly to ask about lead service line inventory status and testing options
- Request a free lead test kit if available, or get your water tested through a certified lab
- Ask about your home's service line material (lead, copper, or unknown) when you contact the utility
- Keep checking back for updates on Lima's replacement plan as it develops
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
You can look at your water bill or contact Lima City to ask what material your service line is made of. If your home was built before 1986, it's more likely to be lead. The only way to be certain is to ask your water utility or have a plumber inspect.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water from old pipes, especially in homes with corrosive water or stagnant lines. Testing your water is the best way to know your actual lead levels. The CDC recommends action if lead is detected, especially for homes with young children.
When will Lima City finish its lead pipe inventory?
Federal law requires completion by 2026. Lima City has not yet published an inventory. Contact the utility directly to ask about their current progress and expected timeline.
Who pays to replace lead service lines?
Historically, property owners paid for replacement. Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is now available to help utilities replace lead lines at little or no cost to residents. Ask Lima City whether replacement programs are available in your area.