Ohio lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to eliminate lead water lines in 15 years

Ohio lawmakers have taken a step toward ensuring clean, safe drinking water for all residents with the introduction of the Lead Line Replacement Act, a sweeping bipartisan effort to eliminate every lead water service line in the state within the next 15 years.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), mandates that all publicly owned water systems in Ohio fully replace their lead service lines, a move expected to impact approximately 745,000 lines still in use statewide.

“No more patchwork repairs. No more half-fixes. No more kicking the can down the road,” said Rep. Jarrells. “We are going to get this right for families and children.”

The initiative arrives with a projected $5 billion price tag, but Jarrells emphasised the work would be funded through a mix of existing federal, state, and community resources, rather than relying on a new funding source within the legislation itself.

In addition to targeting infrastructure, the bill includes provisions to support workforce development and protect low- and moderate-income households from bearing the financial burden of replacement.

The bill includes provisions to support workforce development and protect low- and moderate-income households from bearing the financial burden of replacement

Rep. Robb Blasdel underscored the urgency and scope of the challenge: “Across Ohio, there are an estimated 745,000 lead service lines. Replacing each of these will be a challenging task, but one that we firmly believe is attainable.”

Public health advocates and environmental groups have lauded the bill. Ohio ranks third in the nation for the number of active lead water lines. Health experts warn that exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can cause irreversible harm, particularly to children, including developmental delays and long-term cognitive damage. Adults face increased risks of heart disease, kidney dysfunction, and neurological problems.

“This bipartisan bill sends a clear message that clean, safe drinking water isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a basic human need that deserves action,” said Annalisa Rocca, Drinking Water Manager for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. “The Lead Line Replacement Act is more than smart policy — it reflects a shared commitment to public health, job creation, and a stronger Ohio.”

Meleah Geertsma, Director of Clean Water and Equity at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, added: “There are no safe levels of lead. The Lead Line Replacement Act will bring huge health and economic benefits to the region by reducing negative impacts to child development and improving cardiovascular health.”

A study by Scioto Analysis estimates that full lead pipe replacement could generate between $145 billion and $185 billion in economic benefits for Ohio over the next 15 years, due to improved health outcomes and related societal gains.