Ohio EPA's New 2025 Monitoring Requirements: What Municipalities Need to Know

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced significant updates to water monitoring requirements for 2025, impacting municipalities, public water systems (PWS), and industrial facilities across the state. These changes aim to strengthen water quality oversight, enhance public health protection, and streamline compliance reporting through digital systems.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for facility operators, compliance officers, and municipal decision-makers. This guide breaks down what's new, why it matters, and how your organization can prepare for a smooth transition.

Timeline for Compliance: Most provisions take effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by March 31, 2025. Early adoption is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute implementation challenges.

The 2025 regulations introduce revised monitoring frequencies and expanded parameters for drinking water, surface water, and public water systems. Key changes include:

• Drinking Water Systems: Increased frequency for lead and copper testing, now required quarterly for systems serving over 10,000 people, and semi-annually for smaller systems.
• Surface Water Monitoring: New requirements for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing at key discharge points and intake facilities.
• Cross-Connection Control: Annual backflow prevention device testing is now mandatory, with digital documentation required for all inspections.
• Lead and Copper Thresholds: Action levels remain at 15 ppb for lead and 1.3 ppm for copper, but reporting timeframes have been shortened to 48 hours for exceedances.

These changes reflect evolving federal standards and Ohio's commitment to proactive water quality management. Facilities must update their sampling plans and ensure laboratory contracts can accommodate the increased testing frequency.

Ohio EPA has launched a new digital reporting portal designed to simplify data submission and improve regulatory oversight. Here's how to navigate the updated compliance process:

1. Register Your Facility: All PWS operators must create an account on the Ohio EPA Water Portal (epa.ohio.gov/water-portal) using their facility's PWSID number.
2. Configure Monitoring Parameters: Set up your facility's specific monitoring schedule based on system size, source water type, and historical compliance data.
3. Submit Sampling Data: Upload laboratory results within 10 business days of receiving certified results. The portal accepts CSV, PDF, and direct API integration.
4. Maintain Digital Records: All monitoring data, maintenance logs, and corrective actions must be stored in the portal for a minimum of 10 years.
5. Review Compliance Dashboards: Use the portal's built-in analytics to track your facility's compliance status, identify trends, and generate reports for stakeholder communication.

For facilities with telemetry and SCADA systems, Ohio EPA now supports automated data transmission through secure API connections. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces reporting delays—Control Associates can help configure these integrations for your system.

Lead and copper exceedances trigger specific notification and remediation requirements under the 2025 regulations:

Notification Requirements:

• Facilities must notify Ohio EPA within 48 hours of receiving laboratory confirmation of action level exceedances.
• Public notification must be issued within 30 days, including distribution to affected customers and posting on the facility's website.
• Local health departments and municipal leadership must receive direct notification within 72 hours.

Corrective Actions:

• Conduct follow-up sampling at the same location within 2 weeks to confirm results.
• Implement water quality parameter monitoring (pH, alkalinity, calcium) at weekly intervals until compliance is restored.
• Develop and submit a Corrosion Control Treatment Plan within 60 days if exceedances persist.

Real-time monitoring systems can provide early warning of water quality changes that may lead to lead or copper mobilization, allowing proactive adjustments before action levels are exceeded.

To ensure compliance with the 2025 requirements, public water systems should take the following steps:

1. Review Current Monitoring Plans: Compare your existing sampling schedule with the new requirements to identify gaps.
2. Update Laboratory Contracts: Ensure your certified laboratory can accommodate increased testing frequency and new parameters (PFAS, expanded metals panel).
3. Train Staff on Portal Use: Schedule training sessions for operators and compliance staff on the Ohio EPA Water Portal.
4. Evaluate Telemetry Systems: Consider automated monitoring and reporting solutions to reduce manual workload and improve data accuracy.
5. Develop Public Communication Plans: Prepare templates and procedures for required public notifications to streamline response in the event of exceedances.
6. Conduct Cross-Connection Surveys: Inventory all backflow prevention devices and schedule annual testing to meet the new documentation requirements.
7. Budget for Compliance Costs: Account for increased laboratory fees, potential system upgrades, and staff training in 2025 budget planning.

Many municipalities are finding that investing in modern telemetry and automated monitoring systems not only ensures compliance but also improves operational efficiency and reduces long-term costs.