Newark Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Newark City PWS serves about 49,934 people and reported 0 lead and 2,420 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 19,214 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 1,521 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free, including restoration
Newark, Ohio replaces galvanized and lead service lines free of charge from the main to the water meter, including restoring the disturbed area. Any current city water customer with a galvanized or lead line is eligible, including customers in townships the city serves.
How to get it
- Search your address on the city's online service line map.
- Sign up if your property shows a yellow or orange dot.
- Call the Newark water office with questions.
Sources: newarkohio.gov, cpo.soar.com
Lead lines in Newark
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 1 parts per billion (2024-01 to 2026-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Newark compares: it ranks #199 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #16 of 265 in Ohio for lead and galvanized lines. 12.6% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 11.5% across Ohio. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 740-670-7947 · PWSID OH4502314
Newark lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Newark City PWS's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Who pays in Ohio?
Ohio has no state law that makes utilities pay for the private side, so each city sets its own policy. The results range widely: Cincinnati and Columbus replace for free, Cleveland covers the private side when it works on the public side, and Dayton leaves the cost to owners. Ohio EPA passes federal money to cities as principal forgiveness through its Water Supply Revolving Loan Account.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, enforced by Ohio EPA. Mandatory? No state law requires owners to replace, but the federal rule requires utilities to replace all lead lines by 2037. Funding: Ohio EPA Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (federal lead line money with principal forgiveness).
Sources: epa.ohio.gov
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Newark.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Newark?
Free. Newark, Ohio replaces galvanized and lead service lines free of charge from the main to the water meter, including restoring the disturbed area.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Newark?
No state law requires owners to replace, but the federal rule requires utilities to replace all lead lines by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Newark?
If you qualify for Newark's program, the private side costs you nothing. Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Newark City PWS's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Newark City PWS about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Ohio programs
Cleveland ✓Cincinnati ✓Columbus ✓Dayton ✓Toledo ✓Akron ✓Sandusky ✓MiddletownHamilton ✓Lakewood ✓
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.