Tagged In: Clean Water, lead service line, Lead Service Line Replacement, Water Pollution

Replacing Ohio’s Lead Lines: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

A new cost-benefit analysis reveals that replacing all of Ohio’s estimated 745,000 lead water service lines will result in fewer deaths, better physical and mental health outcomes, less water waste, and significant economic benefits for Ohioans and their communities. 

The study, commissioned by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) and completed by Scioto Analysis, demonstrates that for every dollar invested in lead service line removal in Ohio, the state will see a public health and economic benefit of $32 to $45. The complete replacement of lead water pipes that carry water into Ohioans’ homes and buildings will grow Ohio’s economy between $145 and $185 billion over the next 15 years.

Water service lines transport drinking water to Ohioans’ homes and businesses. Pipes that are made of lead release low levels of toxin into the drinking water that lead to chronic health issues for adults and children. According to the U.S. EPA drinking water can make up 20% or more of a person’s exposure to lead. 

The study estimates the health and economic benefits of lead service line replacement in Ohio. Full lead pipe replacement over the next 15 years will lead to the following benefits for Ohioans:

Unfortunately, Ohio ranks as one of the top states in the country for lead service lines. As many as 8.1% of lead service lines in the country are located in Ohio, while only 3.6% of the U.S. population is in Ohio — meaning this infrastructure issue has an outsized impact on our health and economy. 

There are multiple efforts underway to eliminate lead water lines that carry drinking water into our homes and buildings across Ohio. At the federal level, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested a historic $15 billion through federal programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with an estimated $735 million coming to Ohio for lead line replacement through 2026. At the state level, the DeWine Administration has invested $4.5 million in lead line mapping and replacement through the H2Ohio program.

Additionally, Rep. Dontavius Jarrells introduced House Bill 534, Ohio‘s Lead Line Replacement Act,  in May 2024. The legislation would require all public water systems to fully replace lead service lines within 15 years. The legislation includes other key provisions to advance water affordability and workforce development and to support water utilities in meeting the new requirements. 

Funding for Replacing Ohio’s Lead Lines: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, was generously provided by the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.