Columbus accelerates the replacement of lead water pipes, targeting 50,000 by 2037, to tackle potential risks from aging infrastructure.
Author: Kevin Landers
Published: 3:01 PM EDT April 3, 2025
Updated: 3:01 PM EDT April 3, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lead levels in Columbus water are nearly undetectable, according to the Columbus Division of Water. Yet, the city is addressing potential risks posed by aging infrastructure that could increase the risk.
Currently, the city treats water with orthophosphate which prevents lead from leaching into the water. However, the city says lead pipes can leach toxins into water when it sits stagnant for over six hours.
Those pipes are now are being systematically replaced under a federally mandated program. The water department told 10TV that lead levels are 1.3 ppb (parts per billion) — far below the Ohio EPA standard of 15 ppb.
Columbus started the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program to remove public and private water service lines made of lead and galvanized steel.
Galvanized water service lines can absorb lead particles.
Crews are working to remove approximately 40,000 to 50,000 lead service lines by 2037, replacing them with copper pipes.
“We’ve declared it a public nuisance. We are looking at 40 to 50,000 lines that we need to remove and we’re looking at $1 billion over the next 12 years,” said Emilie Eskridge, regulatory compliance manager for the city’s Division of Water.
There are no safe levels for lead.
“Lead is a neurotoxin. We don’t want anyone to ingest lead,” Eskridge said.
The city has been removing lead water service lines since 1996 during maintenance and emergency repairs.
Columbus has not allowed the installation of lead and galvanized water service lines since December of 1963.