Cincinnati water utility outlines ramp-up to replace remaining lead service lines

Greater Cincinnati Water Works officials told a City Council committee that the utility is preparing to accelerate replacement of private-side lead service lines after detailing where pipes remain, how the program works and the costs and schedule pressures ahead.

The utility estimates about 240,000 service lines exist across its system and that roughly 14 percent — about 34,000 — remain made of lead. “We sign up nearly 90% of customers who are working in an area,” said Kevin Cappers, Lead Program Manager for Water Works, describing outreach that combines mail, door-knocking, texting and community meetings. Water Works is currently replacing about 1,500 private-side lines per year and said it will need to double that to meet expected federal requirements.

The council committee heard the utility’s history with lead service lines, the mechanics of the program and how projects are prioritized. Water Works said customers typically own the portion of a service line from the curb stop to the building, while the utility owns the portion from the main to the curb stop. “If we replace your pipe when we're working in your neighborhood, there's no cost to the customer,” Cappers said, describing the program’s three replacement methods: alongside water-main projects, reactive individual replacements, and larger “service-line-only” projects that bundle entire streets.

Why it matters: officials emphasized public-health risk, especially for young children, and said new federal requirements take effect in 2027 that will compel utilities to replace service lines at a rate of about 10% per year. The utility said it must plan to replace roughly 3,000 lines a year under that schedule. Cappers said Cincinnati benefits from detailed historical records and a publicly accessible map (lead.mygcww.org) that lets property owners check whether their service line contains lead.

Implementation and costs: Water Works said it is expanding staff in administration, construction inspection and contractor capacity to meet higher volumes. The utility also contracted the University of Cincinnati to develop a prioritization score using 12 vulnerability factors applied to census blocks; the highest-ranked blocks will be scheduled first. Officials acknowledged construction-cost pressures and competition for contractors and materials, and said outside funding — grants or federal loans — currently supplements local costs but is uncertain going forward.

The committee discussed next steps, including communications and cost planning. The utility recommended customers request free water testing if they suspect lead exposure and to sign up for replacements when projects come to their neighborhood. “Call us or sign up online. We'll send a kit to your door,” Cappers said. He also provided the utility’s contact number for customer help: (513) 651-5323.

Ending: Water Works staff said they will continue community outreach and to refine cost estimates for the larger multi-year replacement effort; council members raised complementary concerns about lead paint mitigation and the impact of accelerated pipe replacement on street restoration costs and water rates.