Title
Notice/Advertisement Title: Lead Elimination Assistance Program
Contact Name: Emilie Eskridge
Contact Telephone Number: (614) 645-2509
Contact Email Address: EVEskridge@columbus.gov
Body
RULE AND REGULATION NO. 26-03 April 2026
Division of Water
Columbus Water & Power
SUBJECT: LEAD ELIMINATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Pursuant to the authority granted under Columbus City Code Section 1119.10, the Director of the Department of Columbus Water & Power hereby adopts, establishes, and publishes this rule and regulation to be effective at the earliest date allowed by law. This rule and regulation supersedes Division of Water Rule and Regulation 25-02, published March 15, 2025 and March 22, 2025. This rule and regulation is in addition to any established requirements that have not been superseded or rescinded by this or any previous act.
APPLICATION:
This rule and regulation specifies the requirements and provisions of the Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP) of the City of Columbus. The availability of loans through LEAP is subject to council approval of the annual operating budget and availability of funds.
DEFINITIONS:
Applicant: the owner of record of an Eligible Property who applies for participation in this program.
Eligible Property: existing residences, buildings, or structures connected to the City of Columbus public water service system that are served by a private Lead Service Line, as defined in Section 1119.02 of the Columbus City Codes.
GENERAL REGULATION:
1. Eligible Property owners seeking to replace their privately owned Lead Service Line(s) proactively, or those who do not qualify for replacement as part of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, may apply to participate in LEAP to receive a no-interest construction loan with deferred repayment for replacement of private Lead Service Lines.
2. To be eligible to participate in LEAP, the Applicant must sign a promissory note with the City of Columbus, which will be secured through a recorded mortgage against the property. The amount of the promissory note will be the total amount of the construction loan (see 3 below). The mortgage maturity date shall be established 99 years from the date the mortgage is signed by the Director of Columbus Water & Power.
3. If the application is approved by the City, the Applicant must enter into a three-party contract with a licensed water contractor of the Applicant's choice and the City of Columbus. Pursuant to this contract, the City will provide a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 toward the cost of the replacement of the Lead Service Line and other work necessary as part of the service line installation. The amount of the loan will be no more than the lowest of three (3) quotes obtained by the property owner. In the event that that the actual cost of the work exceeds the quote amount due to unavoidable unforeseen circumstances directly related to the service line installation, the Director, or their duly authorized representative, can authorize a loan amount higher than the lowest of the three (3) quotes, but in no event will the loan amount exceed $10,000. If fewer than three (3) quotes are obtained, the loan will be no more than $4,000, unless approved by the Director or their duly authorized representative. The loan will be due when the property is sold or transferred, or when the mortgage maturity date is reached, whichever occurs first.
4. The City is under no obligation to subordinate the mortgage; however, the City will evaluate subordination requests in accordance with the subordination procedures and policies for the Lead Elimination Assistance Program developed by Columbus Water & Power.