COLUMBUS CITY - UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

The Columbus City Utilities shall provide our customers with the highest quality services at a reasonable cost with the most responsible impact on the environment.

Wastewater is collected from homes, industry and streets throughout the City and is transported eventually to the community's treatment facility, where it is made safe to discharge to the East Fork of the White River.

The wastewater collection system consists of over 200 miles of pipeline and 45 pumping stations. The pipelines consist of a variety of material including brick, clay, and PVC plastic.

Approximately one third of the system is of the combined type, handling both sanitary and storm flows. The system has historically had three points of combined sewer overflow which prevent the overloading of the treatment plant during heavy rain events. Recent improvements have eliminated these overflows in all but catastrophic conditions..

Many pipes within the system are over 100 years old and require vigilant maintenance. Our crews have vacuum and hydraulic cleaning equipment and well as an in pipe video system to pinpoint problems.

Through regular maintenance schedules (based upon need) they keep everything 'flowing'.

There is an ongoing effort that requires customer support. Downspouts and foundation drains (including sump pumps) are not allowed to be directly connected to the sanitary sewers. These 'clean waters' use capacity in our lines as well as our treatment plant. Customers who wish guidance on how to remove these improper connections should contact our office.

Treated wastewater is discharged into the East Fork of the White River immediately south of the downtown area. The water is monitored several times each day to ensure that it meets stringent water quality standards.

Water quality standards are established under the Federal Clean water act and are specifically set forth for Columbus in its NPDES permit.

Specific, prohibitive, limits are established for all categorical pollutants including metals. In addition, limits are set for BOD, ammonia and other compatible pollutants.