Lead-in-water bill heads to Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS — The Ohio House approved legislation today requiring faster public notification of lead contamination in drinking water.

Representatives approved HB 512 on a vote of 94-0. The legislation heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

HB 512 would increase requirements for testing for and notification of lead in water from public systems. Under the legislation, residents and other users would have to be informed within two days if lead and copper levels topped allowed thresholds. A larger, more in-depth public-education program would have to be launched within 30 days.

Under current law, notice has to be made within 30 days, with a public education campaign within 60 days.

The legislation was offered after lead issues surfaced in water systems in Sebring.