HOW GCWW IS HELPING SCHOOLS

Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) is dedicated to ensuring schools throughout our service area have safe and healthy drinking water.

Lead can enter water by leaching from aging plumbing materials and fixtures as water flows through a school’s distribution system. Although our drinking water meets all federal and state standards for lead when it leaves the utility, some schools still may have elevated lead levels due to the materials used in their buildings.

More information may be found here: 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities: Revised Manual

Beginning in April 2016, GCWW formed partnerships to better ensure the health and safety of students, teachers and staff in the area’s educational facilities. In conjunction with the Cincinnati Health Department and Hamilton County Public Health, we are testing water at schools and child care facilities. New federal laws will require water testing at all schools and child care facilities, so if your school has not been tested it will be soon.

  • Verify the material of service lines providing water to the schools
  • Provide water testing kits to the schools, free of charge
  • Analyze the samples, free of charge
  • Collect follow-up samples, if needed
  • Assist with a remediation plan, if needed
  • Help address media questions regarding testing and results

See Frequently Asked Questions below.