Lead Service Lines at UH - Cleveland Medical Center
UH - Cleveland Medical Center serves about 11,400 people with drinking water. Like many water systems, it has a legal requirement to know which homes and buildings are connected by lead service lines—pipes that can leach lead into drinking water.
What you should know right now
Lead service lines are the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to your building. If your service line is made of lead, water sitting in those pipes overnight or between uses can pick up lead. This is especially important if you have children under 6, pregnant people, or infants in your home.
The good news: lead is preventable. If you know you have a lead service line, there are steps you can take to reduce exposure while replacement happens.
What's the status of the inventory?
UH - Cleveland Medical Center has not yet completed a public inventory of which service lines contain lead. Without this inventory, it's difficult for the utility to plan replacements or for residents to know their risk. Many water systems are still working through this process—it requires significant time and resources to track down records for every service connection.
You can contact the utility directly to ask:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What records they have (some utilities have historical construction documents)
- Their timeline for completing a full inventory
What you can do today
Even without knowing whether your service line contains lead, you can reduce exposure right now:
Let water run before using it. If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run the cold water tap for 20–30 seconds before drinking or cooking. This flushes out water that's been in contact with pipes.
Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.
Get your water tested. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and tells you whether lead is actually reaching your tap. Contact your local health department for a list of certified labs.
Ask about replacement programs. Some utilities offer cost-sharing for service line replacement. Call the utility to ask whether funds are available.
Next steps for residents
- Contact UH - Cleveland Medical Center directly at their customer service number to ask about your service line and their replacement timeline
- Get a water test through your local health department if you're concerned
- Let water run before first use each morning, especially if you have young children
- Check the CDC website for the most current guidance on lead and drinking water
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?
Contact your water utility with your address—they may have historical records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your building, though it's often buried. A water test will tell you if lead is reaching your tap, regardless of pipe material.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes, lead exposure can affect children's development and learning. For health concerns, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC. In the meantime, let water run before use and use cold water for drinking.
What's the difference between the service line and the pipes in my house?
The service line is the single pipe from the street to your building—that's what the utility owns and is responsible for. The pipes inside your home are your responsibility. Both can contain lead if they're old.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $2,000–$25,000 depending on depth and soil conditions. Some utilities offer grants or cost-sharing. Ask your utility about available funding before hiring a plumber.