Central Ohio continues to grow and is expected to reach three million residents by 2050. We have to prepare for growth to ensure that adequate water supplies are secured, along with drinking water and wastewater treatment capacity, and good stormwater management.
Impacts to water rates are largely driven by:
- A fourth water plant is in design, to break ground in late 2026 with an estimated cost of $2 billion.
- Two additional upground reservoirs will be designed on land the city purchased years ago to provide additional water supplies.
- Increased capacity and treatment upgrades are a major focus at our three existing water plants.
- Continuing to address the needs of aging infrastructure.
- Meeting new regulations like with our Lead Safe Columbus program.
- Increased operational costs, such as water treatment chemicals, along with inflation factors.
Impacts to sewer rates are driven by:
- Additional sewer collection and treatment capacity are needed to meet the demands of growth.
- Many wet weather management improvement projects are underway, including our Blueprint Columbus program to address sewer overflows into waterways and basement backups.
- Sewer rehabilitation and replacement projects are needed for aging infrastructure.
- Stormwater projects continue citywide to improve drainage and reduce flooding.
- Increased operational costs and inflation, especially seen in waste-water treatment chemicals.
These massive improvements in our infrastructure are expensive, but these investments in our community must be made.
We use low interest loan funds and a competitive bid process to keep the costs and financing as low as possible.
We have a long history of excellent planning for these needs, and are committed to ensuring safe, reliable, high-quality water and services for our customers. While some communities struggle with these needs, Columbus is a national model due to our proactive planning.