The Worthington City Council received a comprehensive update on new federal regulations requiring the replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines throughout Columbus's water system, including Worthington. The new EPA regulations will significantly impact residents over the next decade.
New Federal Requirements
The 2024 EPA Lead and Copper Improvements Rule mandates that all public water systems replace existing lead or galvanized water service lines system-wide by 2037. This applies to all water systems nationwide, regardless of whether they have ever violated previous lead levels. The action level for lead sampling has also been lowered from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion.
EMH&T engineering firm representatives Anna Banks and Shane Spencer presented the update on behalf of the city. "This ruling applies to all public water systems, regardless of if they have ever been in violation of that actionable level or really have lead detected in their water," Banks explained.
Impact on Worthington
Worthington receives water from the City of Columbus Public Water System, which serves many suburban communities. Columbus has been proactive in addressing lead issues—they banned lead service lines in 1963, well before the federal mandate in 1986. Columbus consistently tests well below EPA action levels, with recent sampling around 1.3 parts per billion compared to the 15 parts per billion threshold.
The city has approximately 5,000 water services within Worthington's corporation limits. However, about 2,000 of those service materials are unknown and require investigation. Currently, there are zero confirmed lead private service lines, but 1,958 unknown services need to be identified.
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Columbus's Replacement Program
Columbus plans a street-by-street replacement program beginning this year, with suburban communities like Worthington not expected to be reached until 2032. The program will be funded through Columbus's capital budget, resulting in uniform rate increases across all customers regardless of how many lead services each community has.
The prioritization considers factors including density of services requiring replacement, economic and financial needs, population and income data, and environmental justice considerations.
Cost and Timeline Concerns
While specific cost estimates aren't yet available, Columbus indicated they would provide more details in September. The program will require modifications to water service contracts between Columbus and suburban communities.
Beginning in September 2025, any new capital improvement projects in Worthington will be required to fully replace lead and galvanized service lines on both public and private sides if encountered during construction.
Resident Actions Available
Residents can take several immediate steps:
Identification: Check Columbus's interactive water service material inventory online to determine if your property has unknown service materials. Residents can upload photos of their service lines for staff review.
Filtration: NSF certified lead filters can reduce lead particles in water. Common options include Brita water pitchers.
Early Replacement Funding: Several programs exist for residents who want to replace lines before Columbus reaches their area:
- Low-income assistance through proactive replacement programs (applications due by December 2025)
- LEAP program offering 0% interest construction loans secured as mortgages with no set payment schedule
- HomeServe insurance coverage for emergency repairs
Enhanced Meter Program
Columbus will conduct an enhanced meter program system-wide, coming to Worthington in spring 2026. This program has been about 90% successful in ruling out unknown service materials during meter replacements.
Questions and Concerns
Council members raised questions about the timing of rate increases, apartment building responsibilities, and coordination with Worthington's ongoing infrastructure projects. Staff emphasized the importance of getting information to the community, particularly for low-income residents who may qualify for assistance programs.
The presentation materials and additional information will be made available to the community in coordination with Columbus's educational efforts to ensure consistent messaging about the program timeline and requirements.