State guide
Ohio
Ohio has both statewide rules and city utility programs on lead service lines. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
Official resources in Ohio
Ohio statute, effective September 23, 2026, authorizing water-works companies to replace customer-owned lead water service lines in specified situations. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4909.173?utm_source=openai))
Ohio rule stating systems must offer to replace the owner’s portion during lead service line replacement, though the system is not required to bear private-side cost. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3745-81-84?utm_source=openai))
Columbus residents can search the inventory, sign a work agreement for scheduled replacement, or use LEAP for proactive replacement. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne))
Toledo’s official page explains the no-cost customer-side replacement program and hosts its water service inventory map. ([toledo.oh.gov](https://toledo.oh.gov/residents/water/water-system-improvements/lead-service-lines))
Lima’s page offers free full lead service line replacement for qualifying homeowners, subject to annual funding caps. ([limaohio.gov](https://limaohio.gov/873/Lead-Service-Line-Replacement-Program))
Key facts for Ohio
- Ohio EPA’s 2025 annual report says more than 3.4 million service lines were cataloged in the initial inventory submitted in October 2024. ([dam.assets.ohio.gov](https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/epa.ohio.gov/Portals/47/facts/2025ar.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Ohio rule 3745-81-84 says a system replacing a lead service line must offer to replace the owner’s portion, but it is not required to pay that private-side cost. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3745-81-84?utm_source=openai))
- Ohio Revised Code 4909.173 became effective on September 23, 2026. ([codes.ohio.gov](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4909.173?utm_source=openai))
- Columbus says scheduled eligible replacements are intended to be covered by the city one time, as long as funding remains. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne))
- Toledo says all customer-side replacements are funded through ARPA and replaced at no cost to the property owner. ([toledo.oh.gov](https://toledo.oh.gov/residents/water/water-system-improvements/lead-service-lines))
- Springfield says its financial assistance program covers up to 50% of replacement costs, with a $1,500 maximum per property. ([springfieldohio.gov](https://springfieldohio.gov/city_services/lead-service-line-replacement-assistance-program/))
Utility help for homeowners in Ohio
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Columbus Division of Water | Columbus | Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP) | No upfront cost; Columbus describes LEAP as a zero-interest, deferred construction loan secured by a property lien, repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, or within 99 years. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne)) |
| City of Columbus Division of Water | Columbus | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | During scheduled replacement, Columbus intends to cover the cost of a one-time replacement of eligible public and private lead or galvanized service lines as long as funding remains. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne)) |
| City of Lima Utilities Department | Lima | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | The city says it will replace the full lead service line, including the homeowner’s portion, free of charge, subject to annual funding caps. ([limaohio.gov](https://limaohio.gov/873/Lead-Service-Line-Replacement-Program)) |
| City of Springfield | Springfield | Lead Service Line Replacement and Financial Assistance Program | The city says qualifying properties may receive up to 50% of replacement costs, with a maximum of $1,500 per property, for the homeowner-owned side. ([springfieldohio.gov](https://springfieldohio.gov/city_services/lead-service-line-replacement-assistance-program/)) |
| City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities | Toledo | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | The city says customer-side lead lines are replaced at no cost to the property owner and the contractor handles excavation and restoration. ([toledo.oh.gov](https://toledo.oh.gov/residents/water/water-system-improvements/lead-service-lines)) |
What to do next
- Check your city’s inventory map first, because Ohio programs are utility-specific and eligibility depends on whether the public side, private side, or both are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne))
- If you are in Columbus, sign the work agreement to be eligible for scheduled replacement; if you need proactive replacement, ask about LEAP. ([columbus.gov](https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/The-Division-of-Water/Water-Facts/Water-Health/Lead-Service-Program-Information?oc_lang=ne))
- If you are in Springfield or Grand-style cost-share programs, ask for the current application packet before hiring a contractor so you know the utility’s reimbursement limit and conditions. ([springfieldohio.gov](https://springfieldohio.gov/city_services/lead-service-line-replacement-assistance-program/))
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →