The city of Mount Vernon has initiated an inventory of its water service lines to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This action follows a mandate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) requiring inventories across the state.
According to a City of Mount Vernon news release, the statewide mandate obliges all public water systems in Ohio to identify and document water service line materials. As of March 17, the city has inspected over 2,500 water service lines, finding no evidence of lead lines within its distribution system. Furthermore, the city reports having no knowledge of using or permitting lead service lines in its system. The inspection process will continue to confirm that no lead lines exist within the service area.
The news release states that receiving a letter indicating an unknown service line material means it has yet to be inventoried. Property owners may be notified if their service line is made of "galvanized steel" and requires replacement. This could imply that either the city's or the residential service line needs replacement, or both. The city will continue notifying property owners as more galvanized lines are identified.
The release also notes that when upgrading water lines, it is standard practice for the city to replace galvanized lines with copper ones. There is no federal or OEPA requirement for property owners to replace their galvanized service lines, nor does the city impose such a requirement.
Residents and customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the city Engineering Office at 740-392-9528.
