Cleveland lead service line replacement
Short answer
Cleveland Water's proactive program, launched in 2023 with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, replaces both city-owned and customer-owned lead connections for free as part of planned infrastructure work. It also offers free replacement of customer-owned lead lines disturbed during main repairs.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
| Utility | Cleveland Water |
|---|---|
| Program | Lead Service Line Replacement Program |
| Type | Free (planned project areas) |
| Phone | No program phone listed. Call 311 or your water utility, Cleveland Water (the number is also on your water bill). |
| Official page | www.clevelandwater.com/your-water/lead-awareness/what-we-do |
Who qualifies
- Property in a planned replacement project area
- Or a customer-owned lead line disturbed during water main repair/replacement
How to apply
- Look up your connection material with Cleveland Water
- If marked unknown, submit photos on the Customer Service Line Reporting page
- Watch for project notices in your community
- If you replace your own line, contact Cleveland Water so it replaces the city-owned side at the same time
Good to know
As of October 2024, Cleveland Water said most customer-side material was still unknown.
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)
Get deadline alerts for your city
Lead Pipe Alerts: we email only when a real date or program changes for your city or state, plus one monthly roundup. No texts.