The Village of West Union’s Public Water System has received a violation notice from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency after failing to meet a key federal deadline related to public health and drinking water safety.
According to a public notice issued June 25, the village missed an October 16, 2024 deadline to submit an initial service line inventory. The inventory is required to identify pipes made of lead or galvanized materials requiring replacement (GRR)—components known to pose serious health risks if they leach into the public water supply.
While no lead service lines were ultimately found in the village’s water system, the failure to file the report on time prompted a violation. Village officials completed the inventory and notified affected property owners by January 17, 2025.
The inventory is now publicly available for review at the Village Utilities Office, located at 11700 State Route 41, during regular business hours.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause significant health problems, particularly for infants, young children, and pregnant women. It may contribute to developmental delays, learning and behavioral issues, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and other complications.
Although West Union’s inventory did not identify any current lead service lines, the village is urging residents to remain cautious. Steps to reduce lead exposure include using certified water filters, flushing water lines after periods of non-use, cleaning faucet aerators, and using only cold water for drinking or cooking.
Residents with concerns about their service line materials or water quality are encouraged to contact the Village Utilities Office at 937-544-5217 or via email at utilities@westunionoh.org.
For additional resources, the U.S. EPA provides a guide to identifying lead pipes at www.epa.gov/pyt and information about lead safety at www.epa.gov/lead.
