Water & Power Contractors
Important information pertaining to contractors, developers, design/engineering professionals and other vendors working within the City of Columbus, such as: contractor certification, regulations, fees, standard drawings, specifications, and more.
This program works with local industries and businesses to reduce pollutants in wastewater before they enter the public sewer system. By setting clear discharge standards, providing guidance, and fostering collaboration, we help safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Whether you’re an industrial facility, a small business, or a community partner, this program is here to support you in meeting requirements and contributing to cleaner, healthier waterways for everyone.
This program is designed to help businesses bid better and win bigger in city contracting. Get help navigating the requirements to bid or learn more about doing business with Water & Power.
Includes upcoming bid requests for utilities Engineering and Design(PDF, 208KB) as well as Construction(PDF, 278KB) projects. Visit our Capital Improvement Projects to learn about utility CIPs currently underway.
For city-wide bid opportunities, visit the Finance Purchasing office.
Forms, environmental requirements and information required of contractors to get approved to work on Utilities projects. Includes: EMS, Stormwater Manual, Subcontractor Utilization, Supplemental Permit Questionnaire, Backflow, Water Distribution Approved Materials, CAD Digital Submission Standards, Private Sewer Agreement & more.
Request a Scheduled Power Outage
Use the Power Outage Application Form to schedule a temporary power outage for maintenance-related activity on the customer's side of the service line. 30 days' notice is required.
Find current utility rates, charts that detail the various service charges, fees associated with connecting to city water and/or sewer, fire hydrants, power, festival rates & more. Average costs includes what an average bill runs, running toilets & faucets, outdoor watering and filling a swimming pool.
To ensure there is no cross-connection or back siphoning of contaminated water into the main water supply, those with irrigation systems, auxiliary meters, car washes, pools and others are required to install a backflow prevention device which must be tested annually by a certified contractor.
This manual establishes stormwater control requirements for all new public and private development and redevelopment in the City of Columbus. It requires post construction stormwater controls for both water quality and water quantity.
![LineRepairLivingstonSheridan1335[1][1].jpg](/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/utilities/contractors/linerepairlivingstonsheridan1335[1][1].jpg?w=2048&h=1536 "Waterline repair job site")
Authorization is required prior to working on city power, water or sewer lines. For water and sewer certification, contractors must submit an application(PDF, 203KB) to 111 N Front Street and take an in-person written test. Contractor licenses must be renewed annually.
For power certification, contractors must complete required training(PDF, 2MB) with all employees who will be working on-site for any upcoming project and submit a Training Verification Form(PDF, 120KB) to DPUSafety@columbus.gov.
Residents can search the Citizen Portal for approved contractors. Note: CWP does not endorse or recommend any contractor.
If you live or operate a business within our general service territory we may be able to provide your electric service. View the Service Area Map by Zip Code(PDF, 445KB)or view an interactive-searchable map of our service area. If you are in our territory, please complete the online service request form or contact Customer Service at (614) 645-7360. Learn how to Start New Utility Service.
![Hydrant466[1][1].jpg](/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/utilities/contractors/hydrant466[1][1].jpg?w=1317&h=2094 "Typical fire hydrant")
Temporary hydrant use permits are available for new construction, nurseries, filling community swimming pools, water hauling, dust control & demolition. Find available hydrants, contact info, permit request form, fire protection rates & more.
A leading cause of sewer blockages across the U.S. is the accumulation of FOG in the sanitary sewers. The greasy waste enters the sewers from our homes, food service establishments, and industrial wastewater dischargers. Our FOG reduction program applies to all food serviceestablishments located within the City of Columbus and to the 22 municipalities that use our wastewater treatment.
Private Sewer Agreement
This form(PDF, 316KB) is required to obtain permission to construct a private sanitary sewer discharging into the City Sewerage System, in accordance with City Standard Specifications.
The City of Columbus recently completed an extensive revision to its Construction And Materials Specifications (CMSC), which are in effect as of March 1, 2018. For CIPs: Any contract previously awarded will continue to follow the 2012 CMSC unless otherwise directed by the department.
For the creation and submittal of digital drawings, a Zip format file with Microsoft Word standards document and an autocad drawing template is available.
Sewer Facilities Approved Material List
Developers or contractors constructing sanitary and storm water facilities within the City of Columbus shall use the materials approved and listed on the Approved Materials List(PDF, 71KB).
Developers or contractors constructing potable water facilities within the City of Columbus and surrounding contracted water service areas shall indicate all materials used in conjunction with the project & submit this form (includes Approved Materials List) in its entirety. Approved Materials List(PDF, 243KB)
Cross-Connection and Backflow information to be used as a checklist for the inspection process once a water service plan has been approved by the Division of Water, Backflow Section.
We provide water & sewer service to well over 20 communities in addition to Columbus through contractual agreements. Many of the customers in these communities receive a bill from Columbus. Other municipalities buy water in bulk from Columbus and handle their own billing (master metered communities).
Contractors and those who do home improvement projects can be fined thousands of dollars if they allow paint, drywall compound, concrete washout or other chemicals to go down a storm drain. Follow these guidelines to learn how to properly dispose of leftover materials and wastewater and gain ideas for recycling and reuse.
The purpose of this policy is to identify and manage conflicts of interest for Columbus Water & Power (CWP) projects funded in whole or in part by financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Such funding may be received either directly by CWP or indirectly as a sub-recipient of another agency. This policy applies to the City as an entity and also to anyone participating in a project funded under a DOE financial assistance award.