Lead Monitoring Levels Well Below Federal Action Level

Cleveland Water’s most recent Lead Compliance Monitoring results show that the drinking water we deliver continues to be safe from lead even in homes that have lead in plumbing.

The testing was conducted earlier in 2021 at homes throughout our service area known to have lead in their plumbing system. The results showed 90% of water samples from these homes had lead levels below 2.1 parts per billion (ppb) and all samples were below the 15 ppb federal action level. This means even if your home has lead in its plumbing system, it should be safe from lead when you use water regularly.

Our Lead Compliance Monitoring levels have been below the federal action level of 15 ppb since 1997 when we began adding orthophosphate to our treatment process and below 5 ppb for more than 12 years. We know, however, that any amount of lead presents a health risk and are working to minimize any possible risk through lead line replacement and lead awareness education.

Lead Compliance Monitoring is one of many routine water quality tests that we perform to ensure safe drinking water. Ohio EPA sets the requirements for sampling and reporting. Because of our effective treatment techniques and history of low lead levels, Ohio EPA has granted Cleveland Water a reduced monitoring schedule requirement for over 20 years.

Water samples are taken from homes throughout our 640-square-mile service area that meet Ohio EPA's definition of Tier 1 Sampling Sites. If you have a single-family home and a lead service line you can volunteer to be a part of future Lead and Copper Compliance Monitoring efforts by calling 216-664-2882 or emailing LeadLookup@ClevelandWater.com.

If you’re concerned about lead in your drinking water, you can find information on actions you can take to know the potential for lead in your plumbing and, if present, minimize the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water on our website at clevelandwater.com/lead.