Huron, Vermilion awarded lead line mapping grants

COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson announced Tuesday that approximately $2.4 million in H2Ohio grant assistance has been awarded to help 53 public water systems take the first step towards removing and replacing lead water pipes.

The two of the water systems that were awarded grants were the City of Huron and the City of Vermilion. Huron was awarded $50,000, and Vermilion was awarded $33,650.

“Working with communities to help them identify and remove lead water lines that remain in their area will improve the overall health and well-being of Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “These H2Ohio grants confirm our ongoing commitment to improve our state’s water infrastructure for the long term.”

While most water service lines are copper or galvanized iron nowadays, an estimated 6.1 million lead water lines remain across the nation. Lead-based paint and its dust are the most common source of lead poisoning, but lead in drinking water can significantly increase a person’s total lead exposure. Lead primarily enters drinking water when materials containing lead in water distribution systems and household plumbing corrode.

“Water plays a vital role water in our daily lives, and these mini grants will help communities take the first step toward safer water, ” said Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson.

Ohio EPA has previously awarded six communities with almost $2.2 million in H2Ohio funding to remove and replace nearly 500 lead service lines and $2.1 million to 48 communities for lead line identification and mapping assistance.

Governor DeWine, with support from the Ohio General Assembly, created H2Ohio in 2019 as to combat algal blooms, enhance water quality, and improve water infrastructure over a long-term period.

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