LEAP Program
A1 Pro Services LLC
Lead Elimination Assistance Program
NEW! Now announcing the Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP) to help property owners replace their lead and galvanized water service lines.
What Does the LEAP Program Entail?
Columbus’ Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP) is a program that a property owner may use to replace a lead or galvanized service line, either proactively or when it is leaking. There is no upfront cost to the customer. Customers will pay for the work by establishing a lien on the property's mortgage.
This lien acts like a zero interest loan attached to the property. However, unlike a regular loan, there are no monthly payments, no interest, and no hard deadline (99 years). LEAP covers the cost of replacement now, and the homeowner pays back the replacement cost later. This money will be paid back when the home is sold or money is taken out of the property. The lien makes sure the money goes back to the program in the future, so it can help more people.
What You Need to Know:
- There is no upfront cost.
- The lien is good for 99 years.
- There is no interest.
- The lien is due when the house is sold or refinanced and money is taken out of the property.
- It needs to be paid back in one lump sum, a payment plan is not available.
- The property owner chooses their own contractor.
- An agreement must be signed by the city, property owner, and contractor before work can begin.
LEAP requires customers and contractors to follow a specific process to participate. Please pay close attention to the directions sent to you and email LEAP@columbus.gov if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What service lines are eligible for LEAP?
Only lead and galvanized water service lines are eligible for replacement under LEAP. LEAP is available throughout the greater Columbus area as serviced by Columbus Water & Power (formally Columbus Department of Public Utilities). If you receive a water bill from Columbus Water & Power you are eligible for LEAP. Email LEAP@columbus.gov if you have questions about eligibility.
When is the money due?
No payment is due until the house is sold or refinanced and money is taken out of the property. For example, the property owner takes out a home equity line of credit to redo their kitchen, the lien is required to be paid first. Some homeowners do like to pay it off, and in that case we only accept a one-time payment. Payment plans are not available.
What if the property is inherited?
If the property is inherited and no funds are dispersed, the lien is not due and will stay on the property. The lien is due when the property sells or when a significant amount of funds are dispersed.
Does this prevent me from taking out a second mortgage?
Yes. The LEAP lien must be repaid before any additional mortgages or liens are taken out on the property.
I already replaced my line, can the city reimburse me?
No. The city can't reimburse homeowners for work that has already been performed. No part of the Lead Service Line Replacement program allows for a property owner to be reimbursed. If you participate in the LEAP program, work can't begin until a third party agreement is signed and you've been sent a notice to preceed letter. If work is done before the agreement is signed, the property is no longer eligible for LEAP and the property owner won't be reimbursed.
What contractors can I choose?
Property owners select their own contractor, who must:
- Be certified to work on water service lines
- Be registered with City of Columbus vendor services
To find certified contractors:
Click the link above → go to Licenses/Registrations → click Search for a Licensed Professional → choose Sewer/Water Contractor from the dropdown → enter your info to view nearby contractors.
Next steps:
Get three quotes and email them to LEAP@columbus.gov
Contractors will receive a three-party agreement to sign
Work begins once the contractor, property owner, and city sign the agreement
Note: Contractors are not required to participate—please inform yours if you plan to join the program.
I'm a contractor interested in LEAP. How can I participate?
To participate in LEAP the contractor must be certified to work on water service lines and be registered with vendor services.
How much does the lien cover?
The lien covers up to $10,000. Property owners must submit their application with three quotes for water line replacement to LEAP@columbus.gov.
Does the lien cover restoration work?
Yes, the lien can cover restoration work. All work must be included in the quote from your contractor, including restoration work. The lien will not cover restoration done by a different contractor other than the one who signed the three party agreement. Only one comprehensive quote will be approved.
Will my water bill increase?
Participating in LEAP will not increase your water bill. LEAP is not added to your water bill. However, as a result of a new water service line, your water pressure will likely improve and you may see a small increase in your water usage.
How long does this process take?
LEAP depends on timely documentation from both the contractor and property owner. The application and approval process can take 2-3 weeks, but delays can occur if paperwork isn’t returned promptly.
Please follow the emailed instructions carefully and reach out to LEAP@columbus.gov with any questions.
Important:
Work cannot begin until the three-party agreement is signed and you receive a begin work letter. The City cannot reimburse for any work done before these steps are completed.
I'm out of water. Can I participate in LEAP?
Yes, however, this process may take an estimated 2-3 weeks to complete. Customers without water can apply for LEAP but they will remain without water until replacement is complete. Our team will do everything we can to complete this process in a timely manner, however, we require documentation from the contractor and property owner. Please carefully read the instructions shared with you and send back the necessary paperwork as quickly as possible to keep the process moving.
