Gov. DeWine signs bill combatting lead poisoning

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – A new law was passed in Ohio to combat lead poisoning.

Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 226 into law Wednesday to help with the cost of getting rid of lead service lines.

It allows public water utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to replace customer-owned lines.

The law also creates a system for customers to be reimbursed if they have their lead lines replaced.

Representative Monica Robb-Blasdel of Columbiana County supported the bill. She says no one should be subject to the harmful effects of lead because of financial burdens.

According to an EPA report , Ohio has 745,061 lead service lines, which is eight percent of the nation’s total of 9.2 million.

Madison Meeker contributed to this report.

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