Cincinnati lead service lines have reached a major replacement milestone as Greater Cincinnati Water Works passes 10,000 removals.
The Cincinnati lead service lines program still has more than 30,000 lines to replace across the utility’s service area.
Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) marked the milestone Wednesday, Aug. 26, highlighting progress from a program that began in 2018. The utility replaces lead service lines that connect properties to the public water system. The work aims to remove a potential source of lead exposure from drinking water. GCWW said the program has now replaced more than 10,000 lines across Greater Cincinnati. The milestone includes work at homes, businesses and licensed child care facilities.
Cincinnati lead service lines program reaches 10,000 replacements
GCWW began its current Enhanced Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2018. The utility has steadily increased the number of replacements as federal requirements have changed. GCWW previously reported nearly 7,500 replacements in July 2025. That figure has now passed 10,000.
The program covers both public and private portions of eligible service lines. GCWW says property owners can receive replacements at no additional cost through its program. The work relies on local funding, state and federal grants, and other financing sources. The utility has also pursued targeted funding for neighborhoods and facilities where lead exposure presents particular concerns.
The milestone comes as Cincinnati works toward a much larger goal. GCWW estimates that more than 30,000 lead service lines remain in its service area. The utility wants to eliminate the remaining lines by 2037.
Cincinnati lead service lines remain in major neighborhoods
The remaining lines are not evenly distributed throughout Cincinnati. FOX19 reported that Hyde Park has the largest number of identified remaining lead service lines among city neighborhoods. Oakley and East Price Hill also rank among the areas with the highest totals…