Columbiana County Expands Water Sampling Program After Train Derailment

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Columbiana County is launching the second round of its Expanded Potable Water Sampling Program, which aims to provide clarity on water safety concerns following the recent East Palestine train derailment. The application period is open from January 1 to January 31, and the program is open to residents with private drinking water wells located outside the designated priority zones for the derailment response.

Why it matters

The program offers an important opportunity for Columbiana County residents to have their water tested and gain assurance about the quality of their drinking water, especially in the wake of the high-profile train incident that raised concerns about potential contamination. However, the program's eligibility criteria have drawn some criticism for being too restrictive.

The details

To be eligible, applicants must have a fully functional private drinking water well located within Columbiana County but outside the priority zones established for the derailment response. The program will provide free water sampling and analysis for those who qualify. While the criteria may exclude some residents, the county says the program is designed to complement the broader derailment response efforts and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the region's water quality.

• The application period for the Expanded Potable Water Sampling Program opens on January 1, 2026 and closes on January 31, 2026.
• The program is the second round of expanded water testing following the East Palestine train derailment in late 2025.

What’s next

The Columbiana County Health District will review all applications received during the January 1-31 period and begin the water sampling and testing process. A decision on who will receive the free testing is expected by the end of February 2026.