Youngstown Times

Legislation championed by State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) to address the issue of lead water service lines in Ohio has passed in the Ohio House. House Bill 226, which allows water-works providers to replace lead customer-owned water service lines and recoup costs over time, or reimburse customers who choose to replace the lines themselves, aims to make drinking water safer and create healthier communities.

Ohio is currently ranked third in the nation for the number of lead service lines delivering water to homes. Robb Blasdel highlighted this concern in her speech on the House floor, stating, "Sadly, Ohio has the third most lead service lines delivering water to our homes. By allowing water-work providers to replace these lines and recoup costs over time, or reimburse customers who choose to do-it-yourself, we are making our drinking water safer and ensuring healthier communities."

Under the provisions of House Bill 226, water utility companies are permitted to replace lead customer-owned water service lines during scheduled utility main replacement projects, emergencies, or when mandated. The bill also requires these companies to reimburse customers who choose to replace their own lines if ordered to do so, provided that reimbursement requests are made within 12 months of completion. Furthermore, the costs of such replacements and reimbursements must be included in the company's public utility property valuation report, which is used in rate cases.

Robb Blasdel emphasized that the removal of lead lines is crucial in reducing customer lead exposure and expressed optimism about the impact of this legislation. "The removal of lead lines is the best way to reduce customer lead exposure, and this can be an impactful program that effectively works towards this goal," she stated.

With the passage of House Bill 226 in the Ohio House, the legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.