Franklin County, OH · PWSID OH2504412
Columbus Public Water System lead service lines
33,248 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Columbus Public Water System reported 25,155 lead and 8,093 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 288,462 in its inventory. That's 12% of all its lines. Another 65,266 (23%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #3 of 265 Ohio systems with confirmed lead lines, and #10 nationally.
12% of Columbus 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 8.7%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.8%
- Unknown 23%
- Non-lead 66%
Total service lines reported: 288,462. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 1,309,468; 287,233 connections.
Lead test results
Columbus Public Water System's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2021–Dec 2023) was 1.2 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 33,248 in 2025 Q1 to 33,248 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 65,266 to 65,266, 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 Columbus 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
Columbus Public Water System's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 18 other water systems: Fairfield County Utilities PWS, Bexley City PWS, Sanitary District #4, Gahanna City PWS, Groveport PWS, Obetz Village PWS, Aqua Ohio - Blacklick, Aqua Ohio - Worthington Hills PWS, Reynoldsburg City PWS, Lockbourne Village PWS, Jefferson Water and Sewer District PWS, Obetz Satellite 1 PWS, Obetz Satellite 2 PWS, Obetz Satellite 6 PWS, Aqua Ohio - Timberbrook PW, Leonard Park PWS, Monterey Care Center, Galloway Water System PWS.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free
Columbus replaces lead and galvanized service lines on both the public and private sides at no cost to residents, expanded citywide in April 2026. Owners can also replace proactively through the Lead Elimination Assistance Program with no upfront cost.
- Sign the work agreement when the city schedules your area.
- Or apply to the Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP).
- Contact Lead Safe Columbus to verify your line.
Checked November 2026. Sources: wosu.org. 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.
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 Columbus 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 Franklin County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Columbus Public Water System's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
4300243004430164301743026430544306843085431094312343125432014320243203432044320543206432074320943210432114321243213432144321543217432184321943220432214322243223432244322743228432294323043231432324323543240
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Westerville City PWS | 238 | 1,024 |
| Reynoldsburg City PWS | 0 | 3,557 |
| Gahanna City PWS | 0 | 2,120 |
| Bexley City PWS | 367 | 2,679 |
| Sanitary District #4 | 0 | 3,427 |
| Aqua Ohio - Blacklick | 0 | 1,873 |
| Groveport PWS | 4 | 895 |
| Oak Hills Mobile Home Park | 17 | 4 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Columbus Public Water System have lead pipes?
Yes. Columbus Public Water System reported 25,155 lead service lines and 8,093 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 288,462 total. 65,266 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus Public Water System had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Columbus 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, "Columbus Public Water System lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/oh/columbus-public-water-system/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.