Water Topics
Fire Hydrants
All non-emergency city services can be reached through the 311 Call Center. Just dial 3-1-1 or 614-645-3111.
Someone just hit a fire hydrant and water is gushing out (or any leaking hydrant issue).
The Water Distribution Dispatcher will want to speak with you and get more information. The number is 614-645-7788. There are kids out playing in water that is coming from a fire hydrant.
Our Distribution Shop will want to get more information, please call them at 614-645-7788. You should also notify the police of the unauthorized hydrant use. The Columbus Police non-emergency number is 614-645-4545.
NOTE: There may be times (extremely warm weather) when the Columbus Division of Fire will open hydrants to allow children to cool off in the water. When they authorize the opening of hydrants, there is normally a press release to that effect listing all such locations; check for press releases in the Document Library.
I caused a hydrant to be knocked over, how do I set up arrangements to pay for the damage?
Our claims officer will want to talk to you about the damage. The number is 614-645-6261.
Leaks; (Household, Street, Fire Hydrant), Puddles, Basement Flooding
All non-emergency city services can be reached through the 311 Call Center. Just dial 3-1-1 or 614-645-6111.
You may also visit the Flooding and Water Leak Information page for more detailed explanations if your question is not answered below.
Someone just hit a fire hydrant and water is gushing out (or any leaking hydrant issue).
The Water Distribution Dispatcher will want to speak with you and get more information. The number is 614-645-7788. I caused a hydrant to be knocked over, how do I set up arrangements to pay for the damage?
Our claims officer will want to talk to you about the damage. The number is 614-645-6261. There are kids out playing in water that is coming from a fire hydrant.
Our Distribution Shop will want to get more information, please call them at 614-645-7788. You should also notify the police of the unauthorized hydrant use. The Columbus Police non-emergency number is 614-645-4545.
NOTE: There may be times (extremely warm weather) when the Columbus Division of Fire will open hydrants to allow children to cool off in the water. When they authorize the opening of hydrants, there is normally a press release to that effect listing all such locations; check for press releases in the Document Library.
There is a leak in the street at my house (or other location). Can you send someone to repair it?
The Power & Water Distribution Maintenance Office will need to get more information from you. Their number is 645-7788.
There is a leak in my yard. Can you send someone out to fix it?
Many times, a leak in the yard will be a leak on the property's plumbing line and the owner is responsible for the repair. But, if you'd like to have someone out to inspect the leak, our Customer Service Center can arrange that for you. The phone number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
My water meter is leaking. Can you send someone to repair it?
The Customer Service Center will want to get more information. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The valve just before my meter is leaking. Can you send someone to repair it?
The valve before the meter is part of the house's plumbing. A plumber will need to make that repair for you. If you need us to turn off the water for your plumber, you may call our Customer Service Center at 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you aren't able to determine where the water is coming from, the Customer Service Center can arrange for an inspection. The number is 614-645-8276. I've got water backing up in the drain through my basement.
The Sewer Maintenance office will want to get more information from you. The number is 614-645-7102. There is a dip in the road where water collects and does not drain. Can the Department of Public Utilities do anything about it?
Columbus roadways are maintained by the Public Service Department. Please report the problem to 311 or 614-645-3111. One of your crews was out here and my sidewalk/driveway/yard needs to be repaired. When are you sending them back to finish?
Normally, the crews need to wait 6 weeks (or longer in winter weather) to allow the ground to settle before they can make repairs to your sidewalk/driveway/yard.
If it has been in excess of 6 weeks...
Our Distribution office can help you. Their number is 614-645-7788 Do the Columbus reservoirs have any flood control ability?
The reservoirs were built for drinking water storage and not flood control. When the in-stream reservoirs become full following rain or melting snow, they were designed so that the excess water coming in from the creeks and rivers spills over the dams to the waterway below the dam. In the case of Hoover Reservoir, there is a limited amount of control by lowering and raising gates at the dam, but only by a few feet.
Whether or not downstream flooding will occur depends on the weather pattern. When rain continues and a reservoir is already full, the water will continue to go over the dam and enter the creek or river below, as it would if there were no dam. If there is a break between storms and the reservoir level drops, that can create some space to hold some water from the next storm. Another factor can be how much water is flowing into the rivers and streams upstream of the dam and reservoir.
Are conditions monitored when downstream flood conditions may exist or be imminent?
Yes. During high water level conditions, gauge levels and weather forecasts are monitored closely by the CDPU staff and the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEMHS) office. The city uses the United States Geological Survey river gauge data at http://oh.water.usgs.gov/ to monitor river levels. In addition, the Division of Water’s Watershed Rangers patrol some nearby flood-prone areas to do spot checks. If concerned about flood preparation or evacuations, where do I call?
Any voluntary or mandatory evacuation notices are handled by the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEMHS) office, and they will coordinate with local agencies involved in emergency response efforts. To reach FCEMHS, please call 614-794-0213 or visit http://www.fcemhs.org. For other questions, contact your local jurisdiction. If in Columbus, call 311 or 614-645-3111 and in an emergency, please dial 911. If I live in a floodplain or floodway downstream of one of the dams, can I obtain flood insurance?
This is best answered by your insurance agent. It is important to understand that this type of designation exists because of the creek or river and land elevation and not because of the dams. For more information please visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 888-379-9531.
Water Quality, Treatment, and Supply
Why is my tap water rusty?
There may have been a change in pressure in the line due to hydrant flushing, a fire, turning on a valve, etc... The Water Quality Assurance Lab may have additional information about the rusty water. The number is 614-645-7691. Learn more about rusty water. Why is my tap water cloudy?
There could be many reasons for cloudy water. The Water Quality Assurance Lab will want to talk with you. They can answer your question. The number is 614-645-7691. Learn more about cloudy water. Why does my tap water taste funny?
Our Water Quality Assurance Lab will be able to assist you with concerns about the taste of your water. The number is 614-645-7691. Read about the most common water quality concerns, including taste and odor issues. Why does my tap water have white particles?
Our Water Quality Assurance Lab will be able to assist you with concerns about white particles in your water. The number is 614-645-7691. I am concerned about water hardness, nitrate and/or lead levels or about water quality.
Our Water Quality Assurance Lab will be able to assist you with concerns about hardness, nitrate or lead levels. The number is 614-645-7691. Why does my tap water have an odor?
Our Water Quality Assurance Lab will be able to address any of your concerns about an odor in your water. The number is 614-645-7691. Read about the most common water quality concerns, including taste and odor issues. Where does my water come from?
View the Water Distribution map of each plant’s service area with a description of the water source for the customer’s location. What do you use to treat the water?
View the Water Treatment page for a general description of our water treatment process.
Water Service, Meters, Repairs and Inspections
I just sold my house/I am moving and I need to end water service.
Our Customer Service Center can assist you with closing your account. They will need to get some information from you and obtain a meter reading from the property.The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to read your water or electric meter.
I just bought a house. How do I establish water service.
Our Customer Service Center can assist you with establishing new service. They will need to get some information from you and obtain a meter reading from the property. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to read your water or electric meter.
I have no hot water. Can you send someone out?
If you have cold water and no hot water, there is water to the property and the problem is with your hot water heater. You may want to check the valve on the hot water tank or check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped.
If you have no water, neither hot nor cold, our Customer Service Center can check to see if there is an outage in your area. Their number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
During extremely cold weather your pipes could freeze; learn what to do if that happens and how to prevent it. My inside meter is reading differently than my outside meter. What does that mean?
Our Customer Service Center will be able to help you. They will determine if a repair is needed. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to read your water or electric meter.
My water meter is leaking. Can you send someone to repair it?
Our Customer Service Center will want to get more information. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The valve just before my meter is leaking. Can you send someone to repair it?
The valve before the meter is part of the house's plumbing. A plumber will need to make that repair for you. If you need us to turn off the water for your plumber, you may call our Customer Service Center at 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you aren't able to determine where the water is coming from, the Customer Service Center can arrange for an inspection. The number is 614-645-8276. Can you send someone to read my meter?
Our Customer Service Center schedules meter reading service calls. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to read your water or electric meter.
Can you send someone out to install a meter?
Is this for a newly built property? Our Customer Service Center will be glad to schedule your new meter set. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Is this for an existing property? where the meter is missing? Our Sales Office will be able to discuss your options with you. Most customers need to come into the Sales Office and purchase a new meter. The number is 614-645-7330.
Is this for a property where the meter is on the floor? Our Customer Service Center will be glad to have that meter installed for you. The phone number to arrange that is 614-645-8276. I have a plumber waiting to backfill; can you send someone out to inspect the repairs?
For a newly constructed property:
Our Sales Office can arrange that inspection. Their phone number is 614-645-7330.
For existing properties:
Our Customer Service Center will be able to help you with that inspection. The number is 614-645-8276. Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. One of your crews was out here and my sidewalk/driveway/yard needs to be repaired. When are you sending them back to finish?
How long ago was the crew at your property?
Normally, the crews need to wait 6 weeks (or longer in winter weather) to allow the ground to settle before they can make repairs to your sidewalk/driveway/yard.
If it has been in excess of 6 weeks...
Our Distribution office can help you. Their number is 614-645-7788