Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau (ACS)

Across the ZIP codes of West Union, the reported EPA 90th-percentile lead results average 0.0019 mg/L; the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L applies to each water system's own 90th percentile, not to this average. Each ZIP's value is the highest available 90th-percentile result among the water systems mapped to it; the action level triggers corrective steps and is not a safety threshold, since EPA's health goal for lead is zero.

Lead Risk Overview

The average of the reported 90th-percentile lead results across the ZIP codes of West Union, Ohio is 0.0019 mg/L. The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L (15 parts per billion). This is within the EPA action level, though the EPA states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Housing Age and Lead Risk

Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. Homes built before this date may have lead in:

• Solder joints connecting copper pipes
• Lead service lines connecting the water main to the home
• Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)

In West Union:

Factor	Value
Pre-1986 housing	55%
Median build year	1987
Median household income	$45,556
Population	8,452

With over half of housing stock built before 1986, West Union has elevated risk of lead in residential plumbing. This is particularly concerning for homes built before 1978 (when lead paint was also banned) and before 1950 (when lead pipes were most common).

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure is a serious public health concern with no safe level identified by the CDC:

Children (under 6):

• Developmental delays and learning difficulties
• Reduced IQ and attention span
• Behavioral problems
• Slowed growth

Adults:

• Kidney damage
• High blood pressure
• Reproductive issues
• Nerve disorders

Pregnant women are especially at risk - lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development.

Three-Source Lead Data Confirmation

Lead risk is best understood by combining multiple data sources:

Cross-referencing multiple sources provides a more complete picture of lead risk than any single dataset.

Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR)

Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), water systems had to submit a service line inventory by October 2024. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI, 2024) require most systems to replace lead service lines within 10 years, with compliance starting in November 2027. West Union's water systems are subject to these requirements.

Federal funding for Ohio:

Metric	Value
FY2025 LSLR allotment	$202.7M
Additional subsidy	49% available as grants/forgiveness
National total	$3.0B

This funding is available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for lead service line inventory and replacement projects in Ohio.

To check if your home has a lead service line:

1. Check your water utility's service line inventory (required to be publicly available)
2. Inspect where the pipe enters your home - lead pipes are dull gray and can be scratched with a key
3. Contact your water utility for a free service line inspection

Lead Risk by Housing Decade

The age of a home is one of the strongest predictors of lead risk in drinking water:

With a median build year of 1987, the typical home in West Union falls in the low-moderate risk category for lead in plumbing. 55% of homes were built before the 1986 lead solder ban.

How to Test for Lead in West Union

DIY Test Kits ($20–$50)

• Available at hardware stores and online
• Collect a "first-draw" sample (water sitting in pipes 6+ hours)
• Send to an EPA-certified lab for analysis
• Results typically in 1–2 weeks

Professional Lab Testing ($150–$400)

• Comprehensive panel: lead, copper, bacteria, nitrates, and more
• Certified technician collects samples
• Best for homes built before 1986 or after a plumbing change

Free Testing Options

• Many water utilities offer free lead testing - call your provider
• Some states offer free testing for homes with children under 6
• Check your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for system-wide results

What to Expect

• Below 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb): Low concern
• 0.005–0.015 mg/L (5–15 ppb): Consider filtration, especially with children
• Above 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb): Exceeds EPA action level - take immediate action
• Above 0.040 mg/L (40 ppb): Use bottled water while addressing the source

Lead and Copper Rule Sampling History

Historical 90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from water systems serving West Union:

When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system lead values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports. They are not weighted by sample count.

Lead levels have increased from 0 ppb (1992) to 1.85 ppb (2025). This trend warrants attention.

The EPA action level is 15 ppb. Any year exceeding this threshold triggers mandatory corrective action under the Lead and Copper Rule.

How to Reduce Lead Exposure

1. Flush your pipes - run cold water for 2+ minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
2. Use cold water for cooking and baby formula (hot water dissolves more lead)
3. Install a certified filter - look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for lead removal
4. Get your water tested - EPA-certified kits cost $20–$50
5. Replace lead service lines - check with your utility about replacement programs

Most Affected Areas

The ZIP code with the highest lead levels in West Union is 45693. Check your specific ZIP code for detailed lead testing results.

Data Sources

• Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Housing data: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
• Health information: CDC and EPA public health guidelines
• Blood lead surveillance: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS)
• LSLR funding: EPA DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement allotments

Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.

Lead Risk by ZIP Code in West Union

West Union is covered by a single ZIP code, but lead risk can still differ by water system and home. Risk within it depends on housing age, water system, and testing results.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations
45693	N/A	/100	3	View report →

Reported Lead Results and Ways to Stay Protected

The EPA action level applies to each water system's own 90th-percentile result, not to this average of reported results for West Union, and it is not a safety threshold. To reduce lead exposure:

• Run cold water before drinking, especially in the morning; the time needed depends on your plumbing, so ask your utility how long to flush
• Clean faucet aerators regularly and replace them if they are worn or damaged
• If renovating, use lead-free certified fixtures (NSF/ANSI 61)
• Test after any plumbing work