Reps. Jarrells, Robb Blasdel & Community Organizations Reintroduce Lead Line Replacement Act

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), along with environmental advocates and community partners, held a press conference Wednesday reintroducing Ohio’s Lead Line Replacement Act. The bipartisan legislation would require the removal of lead from Ohio’s drinking water systems by eliminating lead water service lines within 15 years.

“Where you live should not determine whether you live. Every zip code deserves the same safety, the same dignity, the same future. The Lead Line Replacement Act addresses the growing crisis of lead poisoning in our state and ensures that every Ohioan has safe drinking water in their homes. No more patchwork repairs. No more half-fixes. No more kicking the can down the road while our children drink poison, ” said Rep. Jarrells.

Ohio currently ranks third in the nation for the most lead pipes delivering water to families, with an estimated 745K still in use. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can negatively impact health outcomes in all age groups — especially in children.  

“Lead water lines are a relic of the past, however, despite the danger we know these facilities present, they are still in use across our state. The data on this issue is clear, no amount of lead exposure is safe for our children, and the key to avoiding dangerous exposure is to prevent the consumption and inhalation of lead particles, ” said Rep. Robb Blasdel.

Removing these service lines is not only critical to protecting Ohioans from the threat of lead exposure in drinking water, but it comes with an extreme economic incentive for Ohio as well. 

“The Lead Line Replacement Act is a common-sense solution that protects public health, creates jobs, and secures a safer future for every Ohio family. There is no safe level of lead in our blood. This legislation finally puts Ohio’s most vulnerable first and empowers water systems across the state, ” said Annalisa Rocca, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund.

The legislation would include key provisions that support workforce development and ensure low- and moderate-income customers will not be burdened by the cost of replacement. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Jarrells at Wednesday's press conference is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats. The press conference in its entirety can be viewed here.