Lead Service Line Inventories: Don’t Delay. It’s the Law.
The Ohio Revised Code requires that all public water systems implement an asset management program related to lead service line inventories. To assist with this, GIS technology can be utilized to capture the necessary information effectively and efficiently for clear and concise reporting.
Geographic Information System Services
However, GIS is more than just an asset inventory tool that captures locations and identifying attributes. GIS offers a suite of resources including web maps and apps to educate and inform public water system customers about lead service line initiatives in local communities. Sharing information empowers constituents to act and assist in providing feedback to system owners through community-based surveys linked to asset inventory records.
How GIS is Used
GIS can be leveraged when creating an address list for the Ohio EPA required customer notification process through spatial queries and geoprocessing capabilities. Once these lists are created, lead service line inventory results can be shared with customers who fall into lead, galvanized, or unknown material classifications.
Additionally, the Ohio EPA requires system operators to keep customers informed about the status of lead service line mitigation efforts with updates on the number of identified lead service lines and the number of lines replaced. GIS technology can assemble this data and report in a timely manner.
Required Information for Lead Service Lines
The Ohio EPA requires the following information be collected related to lead service lines:
- Unique Service Line ID
- Latitude/Longitude
- Address: Street Number, Street Name, City, Zip, County
- Customer Owned Service Line Material Classification
- System Owned Service Line Material Classification
- Answer: “Was Material Ever Lead?”
GIS can collect and report all the above information. It is also scalable and editable to accommodate additional compliance data that will be required in the future.
Upcoming Deadlines
The GIS team at Environmental Design Group has been working with numerous Ohio communities to assist in presenting their required Lead Service Line Inventories. The following are important state deadlines associated with this project.
- Service Line Inventory Due to the Ohio EPA
- Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Service Line Inventory Material Notifications Due to Customers
- Friday, November 15, 2024
- Verification form for Material Notifications Due to Ohio EPA
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Learning and Following Service Line Inventory Law
The Ohio EPA Lead Service Line Inventory initiative is the law. To ensure that your community is ahead of this requirement, consider the impact GIS technology can have on your project.
Environmental Design Group is your one-stop-shop for all things related to the Ohio EPA Lead Service Line Inventory. We not only provide GIS to assist in completing your inventory but can assist with community engagement and education, water resource services and construction management, mitigation, and on-going support through all phases of the Lead Service Inventory. Contact us today to find out more.