Cincinnati Public Water System Lead Service Line Inventory

Cincinnati Public Water System serves approximately 750,200 people across the region. The utility draws from a surface water source.

What we know about lead service lines in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Public Water System has not yet publicly reported details about its lead service line inventory—including how many lines have been identified, tested, or replaced. This does not mean there are no lead service lines in the system. Many water systems nationwide are still in early stages of documenting their inventories, which is a multi-year process.

Lead service lines are one of the primary pathways for lead to reach your tap water. If your home was built before the 1980s, especially before the 1950s, your property is more likely to have a lead or galvanized service line.

How to find out about your own service line

Your service line is the pipe that connects the public water main (in the street) to your home. It's often underground and may be lead even if your interior plumbing is copper.

To learn whether your home has a lead service line:

• Contact Cincinnati Public Water System directly. Ask them to check their records or send someone to inspect the line where it enters your property.
• Check your home's age and any documentation from the previous owner or title search.
• A licensed plumber can excavate and visually inspect your service line if needed.

What to do if you're concerned about lead exposure

If you want to test your tap water for lead right now, you can:

• Request a free or low-cost test kit from Cincinnati Public Water System.
• Buy a certified test kit from a hardware store and send samples to a certified lab.
• Hire a licensed plumber or lab to test your water.

For questions about health effects—especially if you have young children in the home—contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead exposure hotline.

Next steps for residents

• Call Cincinnati Public Water System to ask about your property's service line status and inventory timelines.
• Test your tap water if you want immediate peace of mind about lead levels.
• Check your home's age. Homes built before 1980 are at higher risk for lead service lines.
• Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children and want guidance on lead exposure prevention.

Does Cincinnati have lead service lines?

Cincinnati Public Water System has not yet released detailed inventory data. Lead service lines are common in older water systems nationwide. Contact your utility to ask about your specific property and their replacement timeline.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call Cincinnati Public Water System and ask them to check their records. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the line where it enters your home, or check your property deed or title.

Can I test my tap water for lead?

Yes. Ask your water utility about free or subsidized test kits, or purchase a certified kit from a hardware store and send it to an EPA-certified lab. Testing takes a few weeks.

Is Cincinnati tap water safe to drink?

Cincinnati Public Water System monitors water quality and reports results annually. Lead in tap water is a concern mainly if you have a lead service line or old plumbing. Testing your water and knowing your service line material are the best ways to assess your risk.