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.
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.
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Rates, Fees, and Connection Charges
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.
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Get Approved
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.
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Cross-Connection Backflow Control
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.
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Stormwater Drainage Manual
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.
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Get Certified
Authorization is required prior to working on City water or sewer lines. To "Get Certified," contractors must submit an application to 111 N. front Street, Columbus, OH 43215 and meet with a Review Board. Contractor licenses must be renewed annually. Residents can search the Citizen Portal for approved contractors. Note: DPU does not endorse or recommend any contractor.
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Get Certified Prior to Working on City Power
To “Get Certified,” contractors must complete required training with all employees working on-site for any upcoming project. This training may be renewed on an as needed based for changes in Citywide processes or procedures.
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Fire Hydrants
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.
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Land Application
This program recycles biosolids from the wastewater treatment process to fertilize croplands for corn, soybeans, turf grass and wheat.
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Simple Steps for Contractors to Protect Water and Avoid Costly Fines/Cleanup Fees
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.
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Private Sewer Agreement
This form is required to obtain permission to construct a private sanitary sewer discharging into the City Sewerage System, in accordance with City Standard Specifications. More About Private Sewer Agreement
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Construction & Materials Specifications
The City of Columbus, Construction And Materials Specifications (CMSC) are here.
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CAD Digital Submission Standards
For the creation and submittal of digital drawings, a Zip format file with
Microsoft Word standards document and an autocad drawing template is
available.
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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.
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Water Distribution Facilities Approved Materials List
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
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New Construction Water Service Inspection Checklist
The following information is to be used as a checklist for the
inspection process once a water service plan has been approved by the Division
of Water.
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Steps to Ensure Safety of Water System before Business or Building Reopens
Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ and other diseases associated with water. Before your business or building reopens, take the following steps to help ensure the safety of your water system:
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Water & Sewer Contract Communities
DPU provides 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).
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