Cincinnati lead service line replacement
Short answer
Greater Cincinnati Water Works says it pays 100% of replacement costs for lead and galvanized steel service lines when customers participate: at child care facilities, during main projects, for leaking or high-testing lines, and in targeted areas.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
| Utility | Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) |
|---|---|
| Program | Lead Service Line Replacement Program |
| Type | Free (with participation) |
| Phone | 513-651-5323 (513-651-LEAD) |
| Official page | la.mygcww.org/ |
Who qualifies
- Child care facilities
- Lines in water main replacement projects
- Individual lines that are leaking or test high for lead
- Homes in targeted priority areas
How to apply
- Contact GCWW's lead program to check your service line
- Sign the participation agreement when GCWW is in your area
- After replacement, restoration follows (within 60 days for Apr–Sep work)
Good to know
Older GCWW documents describe a 40% cost share; GCWW's current program page states 100%.
Your next steps, in order
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Plumber quotes are a referral service that is free to you, paid by providers, and your details are shared with them. We always show free programs first. Read our full disclosure.
1. Use the free or low-cost program first
Many utilities replace lines at no cost or offer no-interest loans.
Go to the official program2. Test your water
Some cities test free (Chicago: call 311). Otherwise a certified-lab mail-in kit is an option.
Tap Score test kit (affiliate link, placeholder)3. While you wait, consider a certified filter
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53 filters on Amazon (affiliate, placeholder)If the free program covers your line, you’re done. You don’t need step 4.
4. Not eligible or can’t wait? Compare plumbers
Before hiring, ask your utility whether you need pre-approval so you don’t lose program help.
Plumber quotes (referral, coming soon)
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