Hamilton County, OH · PWSID OH3102612
Cincinnati Public Water System lead service lines
34,717 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Cincinnati Public Water System reported 34,673 lead and 44 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 238,335 in its inventory. That's 15% of all its lines. Another 45 (<0.1%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 265 Ohio systems with confirmed lead lines, and #8 nationally.
15% of Cincinnati Public Water System's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Ohio average (8.8%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 15%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown <0.1%
- Non-lead 85%
Total service lines reported: 238,335. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 800,000; 244,716 connections.
Lead test results
Cincinnati Public Water System's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2026–Jun 2026) was 2.1 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 34,717 in 2025 Q1 to 34,717 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 45 to 45, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Cincinnati Public Water System since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Cincinnati Public Water System's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 15 other water systems: Butler Co. Water District 2 PWS, Loveland City PWS, Clermont Public Water System, Addyston Village PWS, Cleves Village PWS, Glendale Village PWS, Indian Hill City PWS, Lockland Village PWS, Norwood City PWS, Reading City PWS, Wyoming City PWS, Western Water Company, South Lebanon City PWS, Lebanon City, Boone-Florence Water Commission (KY).
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free
Since 2021, Cincinnati pays the full cost of replacing privately owned lead lines for homeowners, schools and child care centers. Greater Cincinnati Water Works passed 10,000 replacements in August 2026.
- Check your address on GCWW's lead map.
- Sign up or return the agreement GCWW sends you.
Checked November 2026. Sources: wosu.org, fox19.com. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Cincinnati Public Water System whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Hamilton County
Cities served
- Lead pipes in Cincinnati
- Lead pipes in Mason
- Lead pipes in Forest Park
- Lead pipes in Sharonville
- Lead pipes in Blue Ash
- Lead pipes in Springdale
- Lead pipes in Montgomery
- Lead pipes in North College Hill
- Lead pipes in Madeira
- Lead pipes in Wyoming
- Lead pipes in Cheviot
- Lead pipes in Mount Healthy
- Lead pipes in Deer Park
- Lead pipes in Silverton
- Lead pipes in St. Bernard
- Lead pipes in Woodlawn
- Lead pipes in Amberley
- Lead pipes in Golf Manor
- Lead pipes in Greenhills
- Lead pipes in Lockland
- Lead pipes in Mariemont
- Lead pipes in Lincoln Heights
- Lead pipes in Newtown
- Lead pipes in Evendale
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Cincinnati Public Water System's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
45030450404504145051452024520345204452054520645207452084520945211452134521445216452174521845219452204522345224452254522645227452294523045231452324523345236452374523845239452404524145242452444524645247452484524945251452524525545267
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood City PWS | 541 | 5,315 |
| Indian Hill City PWS | 52 | 6,212 |
| Harrison City PWS | 8 | 2,714 |
| Wyoming City PWS | 173 | 609 |
| Reading City PWS | 259 | 960 |
| Lockland Village PWS | 138 | 923 |
| Glendale Village PWS | 4 | 708 |
| Addyston Village PWS | 7 | 291 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Cincinnati Public Water System have lead pipes?
Yes. Cincinnati Public Water System reported 34,673 lead service lines and 44 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 238,335 total. 45 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Cincinnati Public Water System's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Cincinnati Public Water System replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Cincinnati Public Water System had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Cincinnati Public Water System.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Cincinnati Public Water System lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/oh/cincinnati-public-water-system/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.