Ohio’s bill would require the state to replace all service lines, but some Organizations across the state are concerned about the costs associated with this bill.
Introduced by Ohio Congressmen Dontavious Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Monica Robb Blasdell (R-New Waterford) Ohio House Bill 307 last year, This would require local water utilities to work with the state to identify major water lines, develop a plan to replace those lines with safe alternatives, and implement this plan over a 15-year period.
“These lead particles can inadvertently seep into the water and cause poisoning to children, family members, and relatives,” Jarrells said. “Unfortunately, the effects of lead poisoning have a devastating impact on children’s cognitive abilities.”
The bill has had three hearings before the Ohio Housing Development Commission, and if passed, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency would be responsible for overseeing this mandate.
Ohio Legislative Commission Here are the estimated costs associated with your bill: Over $16 billion over the next 15 years. COST may be offset by grants, loan funds, and various fees and interest rates charged to customers.
“Everyone wants to replace the leads, especially the mayors of our cities, but it costs a lot of money.” Sarah Beale, Policy Director Ohio Mayors Alliance.
“IIt’s not something local governments can do by raising sewer rates or raising water rates. ”
The Ohio City League hopes to directly fund lead line replacement, Kent said. scarletthe league’s executive director.
“What we know is that in smaller communities with smaller budgets, tighter budgets, less financial space, it’s more difficult to do this work,” he said. “We would like to see the state more directly funding this infrastructure because it benefits the entire state.”
When asked about the costs associated with the bill, Jarrells said, “What are the costs going to be for families who are drinking this poisoned water?”
Jarrells experienced lead poisoning as a child. He was taking some speech pathology classes. He entered elementary school due to cognitive decline due to lead poisoning.
“Victims of lead poisoning are invisible because most people don’t even know what lead poisoning is,” he says. “I believe this bill is a preventative measure to ensure that no more children are exposed to lead poisoning.”
Lead water lines release low-level toxins into drinking water that can cause health problems. According to , drinking water can account for more than 20% of a person’s lead exposure. US Environmental Protection Agency.
Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986 to stop the installation of new lead service lines, but did not require existing lines to be replaced.
There are 745,000 lead service lines in Ohio, and approximately 4,000 Ohio children are being tested for high levels of lead poisoning.
Approximately 8.1% of the nation’s major service lines are located in Ohio, but only 3.6% of the population lives in Ohio, according to a report from the Ohio Environmental Counties. Ohio ranked third in the nation for lead pipes in 2021, according to the EPA.
“We are dealing with aging infrastructure that has not yet been replaced,” Jarrells said.
Federal orders during the Biden administration The state requires main service lines to be replaced by 2037.
“We already have to do that work,” Jarrells said. “This bill is an attempt to codify a statewide plan.”
Many cities in Ohio are already working to replace main service lines; Akron removes last lead service At the end of last year.
“We are extremely proud to be one of the first cities of our age and size to be completely lead-free,” Akron Mayor Shamas Malik said in a news release.
Akron began removing more than 55,000 service lines in the 1960s, said Jeff Bronowski, Akron’s deputy services director.
“At this point, the risks associated with lead are negligible,” he said.
The average cost to replace a water lead is about $5,000, Bronowski said.
Akron used some of the funds from. The American Rescue Plan Act was enacted to assist with lead replacement, but the primary source of funding in past years has been through state revolving loan funds.
“Our kids are better and healthier because of it,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Video message congratulating Akron.
According to a 2024 report, for every dollar invested in service line removal in Ohio, the state receives between $32 and $45 in public health and economic benefits. Report by the Ohio Environmental Council.
“It costs a lot of money to do this, but the benefits are huge,” said Rob Moore. He is president of Scioto Analysis, a public policy analysis firm based in Columbus.
Replacing all of Ohio’s lead water pipes would increase the state’s economy by $145 billion to $185 billion over the next 15 years, according to the report.
“If you care about economic growth, if you care about improving the future of Ohio, this is a good investment,” Moore said. “It’s expensive, but the benefits are great.”
Eliminating drop lines in Ohio would reduce deaths from heart disease by 9,700, anemia by 7,300, depression by 3,800, coronary heart disease by 2,400, infant deaths by 640, dementia by 520, AT cases decreased by 150attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Over the next 15 years, according to the report.
Eliminating key service lines could also lead to higher wages due to higher IQ, the report said.
“What this policy does is reduce the public health crisis,” said Alicia Smith of the Junction Coalition, a Toledo nonprofit.
Follow Ohio Capital Journal reporter Megan Henry on X or At Blue Sky.
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