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Water is something many of us take for granted: you turn on the tap, fill a glass and it’s there. But, the truth is, a lot must happen before you take that first sip. The pipes that carry water into our homes matter just as much as the water itself. We believe safe, reliable water is the foundation of healthy families and strong neighborhoods. That’s why replacing aging lead and galvanized pipes with modern, lead-free service lines is such an important investment in our future.
Last week, I supported our partners at Columbus Water & Power and its Lead-Safe Columbus initiative at a public meeting in North Linden. I’m MurphyEpson’s Project Manager for this work, and when I saw the Linden Community Center packed with some 300 people, I knew it was going to be an impactful night.
The event, Pipes and Pizza, was designed to be approachable and neighborly. Pizza was on the table, but the real focus was on something that matters to every family: safe, reliable water. Columbus is proactively replacing lead and galvanized water service lines with brand-new copper ones at no cost to residents.
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One of the coolest parts of the evening was seeing the Lead-Safe Columbus brand in action. My colleague, Senior Art Director Missi Burris, designed the program’s branding, and it really set the tone. From the presentation visuals to the signage, everything was consistent, clear and approachable. Seeing neighbors connect with a brand you helped bring to life is a reminder of why design matters. You can learn more about her work at this blog.
Public meetings only work when people are seen, heard and truly informed. This is where our MurphyEpson team has consistently delivered for more than 35 years. Alongside engagement and strategy support, we made sure there were hands-on ways for residents to learn about their own water lines.
My colleagues, Account Coordinator Jill Rebarchak and Account Coordinator Hannah Heald, staffed iPads at the event, directing hundreds of participants and helping neighbors pull up information about their pipes. It was awesome helping people get answers on what to expect in their homes. Project Manager Liz Webb supported during the Q&A process and Account Coordinator Colin Riffe helped with set-up.
As the meeting came together, the turnout was incredible. We quickly shifted gears, pulling in extra chairs and making space so everyone could settle in. It was a great reminder that in this kind of work, you have to be ready for anything – and to embrace the unexpected moments that show just how much the community cares. Afterward, we connected with kids in the community by delivering leftover pizza – a small gesture that reminded us what this work is really about.
The long and short of it is this: the water we drink in Columbus is safe. However, the City of Columbus wants to be proactive.
The team from Columbus Water & Power shared updates on nine projects in and around the Linden neighborhood. They explained what neighbors can expect and made it clear that Columbus is taking proactive steps to meet the 2037 deadline for replacing all lead and galvanized lines.
Of course, this work ensures we are following federal guidelines. But it’s also about something larger: protecting families, especially kids, from the long-term risks of lead exposure. It’s about preventing expensive breaks. And it’s about maintaining trust between the City of Columbus and the neighborhoods we serve.
This was just the first of many opportunities (including public meetings) to connect with residents as Lead-Safe Columbus grows. I left the meeting energized, knowing this is what meaningful public engagement looks like: strategy, design and community all working together.
If you live in the City of Columbus and want to learn more about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, click here. You’ll also be able to enter your address and learn about the pipes in your home.
