Waterworks pushes for replacement of lead pipes.
Greater Cincinnati Water Works has been urging customers with lead pipes to replace them for eight years.
On the instructions of the federal government, these efforts are now being doubled.
The utility will begin sending letters next week to owners of 35,000 properties where it believes lead is present in water pipes from the property to the curb.
A total of 50,000 letters will be sent out, covering both tenants and owners.
New Fed regulations provide impetus
The new initiative comes ahead of a change in federal rules on Oct. 16. New rules in the Safe Drinking Water Act will require water utilities to notify any customer they believe has a lead pipe or a galvanized steel pipe that may contain lead. The work is expected to be completed by 2037.
Customers who receive letters are asked to contact Water Works about replacing their pipes. As of December 2021, the utility will cover 100% of the cost of the replacement.
Customers can contact Water Works at (513) 651-5323 or [email protected].
Replacement not on a first come, first served basis
Water Works launched its lead pipe replacement program in 2016, when there were 42,000 lead lines in its service area. This included both public lines maintained by Water Works and private ones, from properties to roadsides. The City of Cincinnati initially covered 40% of the cost, up to $1,500, for customers who replaced their private lead lines.
The city’s decision to cover the entire cost sparked complaints from homeowners who had previously replaced their pipes and paid part of the bill themselves.
This month, the water company’s contractors removed 5,892 private lines — about 1,200 per year. With federal support, the utility plans to replace 3,600 lines per year.
However, replacements are not purchased on a first come, first served basis.
Instead, the utility plans to use a so-called “equity tool” developed by the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning to prioritize jobs and execute them in more efficient groups.
The tool uses data from the utility and the U.S. Census Bureau to identify which households and businesses are most at risk from lead pipes. The utility will prioritize properties with children, customers with broken pipes and neighborhoods getting new water lines.
“The goal is really to go first where we can have the greatest public health impact,” said Cathy Bernardino Bailey, executive director of Water Works.
Around 200 customers who were previously placed on a waiting list for a replacement are also being assisted. The list was closed about a year ago.
The replacement work is progressing slowly
Replacement work is progressing slowly under the current model because of difficulty finding contractors, shortages of staff and the utility’s reluctance to demolish too many buildings at once.
Customers are also hesitant, Bailey said. Some are suspicious of the government’s promises. Some live outside of Ohio. Some don’t want to disturb their gardens.
“There are customers who say, ‘Hey, there’s Grandma’s beautiful rose bush out there … and we’re not touching it,'” Bailey said.
To counteract these factors, Water Works is seeking additional contractors, hiring additional staff and working with community groups to reach out to and engage property owners.
“There is a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure we can achieve our future goals,” says Kevin Kappers, senior program manager for spare parts supply at Water Works.
What danger does lead pose?
Lead pipes do not pose an immediate danger to customers, Water Works said.
The utility also said the insides of the pipes are coated with chemicals in the water to minimize the risk of lead leaching into the water.
However, the letters to customers with lead pipes also state: “There is no safe level of lead in drinking water.”
The letters say lead can be especially harmful to children, reducing IQ and attention span and contributing to learning or behavioral problems. In adults, lead can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney and nervous system problems, the letters say.
Learn more
Water Works maintains a frequently updated map that shows properties with lead pipes. Homeowners who have replaced their pipes themselves should notify the utility if the map is inaccurate.
The utility will update its lead replacement program website next month to make it easier to use.
Starting in September, monthly online open days will also be held.
