Ohio is receiving nearly $201.8 million from the EPA for lead service line identification and replacement projects, continuing a multiyear effort to modernize drinking water infrastructure across the state.
The funding marks the fifth round awarded to Ohio through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, or DWSRF. Since 2021, the program has provided the state with $305 million, helping replace 16,000 lead lines in 147 communities. Another 33,000 lines are already in the process of being replaced.
Ohio’s award is part of a nationwide $2.9 billion EPA initiative allowing communities to identify, remove and replace lead pipes delivering water to homes and businesses.
Communities can use the funding for lead pipe identification, project planning and service line replacement work.
According to an Ohio EPA survey, 68% of service lines in the state are not lead or galvanized lines requiring replacement, while 9% do contain lead or galvanized material. The remaining lines have not yet been identified.
The findings indicate a significant number of homes, schools and businesses could still be exposed to lead in drinking water, highlighting the need for continued lead line removal and DWSRF funding.
Exposure to lead through drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly for children younger than 6. The Ohio Department of Health warns that even small amounts can affect the nervous system and lead to learning and behavioral issues.
Ohio is part of EPA Region 5, which received about $921.5 million across six states for lead service line replacement.
The DWSRF funding is part of the EPA’s Federal Lead Action Plan, which aims to reduce lead exposure through drinking water, soil, food, personal care products, consumer products and workplaces. Other components of the plan include working with stakeholders to communicate the health risks associated with lead exposure and engaging with communities to test children who may have been exposed.
Photo by Joseph Russo from Pexels
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