Cuyahoga County, OH · PWSID OH1801212
Cleveland Public Water System lead service lines
144,721 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Cleveland Public Water System reported 144,193 lead and 528 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 434,395 in its inventory. That's 33% of all its lines. Another 56,954 (13%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 265 Ohio systems with confirmed lead lines, and #2 nationally.
33% of Cleveland 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 33%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.1%
- Unknown 13%
- Non-lead 54%
Total service lines reported: 434,395. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 1,308,955; 445,151 connections.
Lead test results
Cleveland Public Water System's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2022–Dec 2024) was not detected, 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 144,721 in 2025 Q1 to 144,721 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 56,954 to 56,954, 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 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Cleveland Public Water System. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Cleveland Public Water System's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 6 other water systems: Bedford City PWS, Chagrin Falls Village PWS, Lakewood City PWS, Columbia Park Water System, Geauga County-Bainbridge, Aurora City - Cleveland PWS.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free when the city works on your line
Cleveland Water has offered to replace the customer-owned portion for free when its crews disturb the city-owned part of a lead line (reported 2024). Confirm current terms with Cleveland Water.
- Look up your address with Cleveland Water's lead lookup.
- Call Cleveland Water to ask whether your street is scheduled and whether the private side is covered.
Checked November 2026. Sources: trenchlesstechnology.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 Cleveland 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 Cuyahoga County
Cities served
- Lead pipes in Parma
- Lead pipes in Euclid
- Lead pipes in Strongsville
- Lead pipes in Cleveland Heights
- Lead pipes in Brunswick
- Lead pipes in Westlake
- Lead pipes in North Olmsted
- Lead pipes in North Royalton
- Lead pipes in Garfield Heights
- Lead pipes in Shaker Heights
- Lead pipes in Solon
- Lead pipes in Maple Heights
- Lead pipes in Rocky River
- Lead pipes in South Euclid
- Lead pipes in Parma Heights
- Lead pipes in Mayfield Heights
- Lead pipes in Broadview Heights
- Lead pipes in Twinsburg
- Lead pipes in Brook Park
- Lead pipes in Fairview Park
- Lead pipes in Bay
- Lead pipes in Middleburg Heights
- Lead pipes in Brecksville
- Lead pipes in Beachwood
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Cleveland Public Water System's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
4404044056440674407044087441014410244103441044410544106441084410944110441114411244113441144411544116441174411844119441204412144122441234412444125441264412744128441294413044131441324413344134441354413644137441384413944140441414414244143441444414544147441494421244286
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood City PWS | 4,037 | 149 |
| Berea City PWS | 43 | 1,483 |
| Bedford City PWS | 48 | 3,884 |
| Chagrin Falls Village PWS | 0 | 0 |
| Columbia Park Water System | 0 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Cleveland Public Water System have lead pipes?
Yes. Cleveland Public Water System reported 144,193 lead service lines and 528 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 434,395 total. 56,954 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland Public Water System had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Cleveland 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, "Cleveland Public Water System lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/oh/cleveland-public-water-system/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.