The City of Springfield water utility provides water to more than 20,000 customers throughout the City of Springfield and nearby communities. Ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water is our top priority.

What you need to know about lead:

Is there lead in Springfield’s drinking water? There is no detectable lead in the treated water leaving the Springfield water treatment plant, or in the source water these plants use and the water mains which deliver water throughout the City are made of non-lead materials (iron, steel, concrete, etc.).

However, lead can be present in the smaller water service lines and in the interior plumbing and fixtures of older homes. A water service line is the smaller pipe which connects your home, building or structure to the larger pipes of the City’s water mains. If there is corrosion of lead or lead-contaminated water services, fixtures or plumbing, then lead can potentially enter the drinking water.

What is the City doing to protect the drinking water from lead? The City of Springfield tests the drinking water regularly to ensure it meets all state and federal drinking water standards.

In order to reduce the risk of lead exposure the City protects pipes by adjusting the water’s chemistry (pH) and adding sodium hexametaphosphate. These processes prevent conditions that can cause lead to leach into drinking water by making the drinking water less corrosive and create a coating inside the pipes that serves as a barrier between the pipes and water.

The City is also committed to identifying and removing lead and galvanized service lines throughout the City whenever they are encountered. As part of this process the City is currently collecting information on lead status unknown service line materials during a citywide water meter replacement program.

Are there any other sources for lead exposure? Yes, while lead service lines are one possible source of lead, the primary cause of elevated lead blood levels in Clark County (and Ohio) is exposure to lead paint and lead dust. Proximity to airports, and certain jobs and hobbies can also increase the chance of exposure to lead. The Clark County Combined Health District has resources on these other sources at ccchd.com/lead.

Does the age of my home affect my chances of having a lead water service? Yes, the risk is lower in newer homes. The use of lead in water services became much less common in the 1950s, and was banned by the State of Ohio in 1986. Homes built after this would only have lead in the water service line if they connected to a previously existing service.

What are the health effects of lead? Exposure to lead can be harmful. A build-up of lead in the body can cause damage to the brain or kidneys, or interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. The greatest risk is to infants, young children and pregnant women.

How do I reduce the risk of exposure to lead?

  • Run your tap when water hasn’t been used for 6 or more hours and after any work on your plumbing or disruptions in water service. Run water until you feel a temperature change, then run for 1 more minute. Flushing is very effective at reducing lead contaminated water coming from the tap.
  • Small screen disks- known as aerators- play a big role in your home’s water quality. Regularly cleaning aerators is highly recommended to keep quality water coming from the tap.
  • Always use cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Cold water is less corrosive on pipes.
  • Use an ANSI/NSF 53 certified lead filter. Follow the instructions carefully, replacing cartridges as needed. Do not run hot water through the filter.
  • Replace lead containing plumbing fixtures. Many old faucets, valves and other plumbing fixtures may contain lead. Identify if your building’s plumbing fixtures contain lead, and replace them when appropriate.

What can I do? You can use the online Water Service Line Material Survey to identify and report the pipe material for your portion of the water service. You can also use the following QR code to link to the survey.

If your home has been identified as having a lead service line, or a galvanized requiring replacement service line you may be eligible for the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance Program. This program provides financial assistance to encourage residential property owners to safely access the City’s public water system through non-lead service lines.

Information and application forms are available at the Service Center, 937-525-5800.

For additional information visit the Ohio EPA Learn About Lead website or visit the Clark County Combined Health District website for information about other types of lead exposure.  If you are interested in testing your water, you can find a list of labs at Ohio EPA Certified Labs for Lead and Copper.