WATER RATES AND CHARGES

Columbus City Codes tit. 11, ch. 1105

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 1105.01 Definitions.

1105.01 - Definitions. "Available frontage" shall mean the frontage for all parcels which abut on the water main. On corner parcels the frontage shall be the shortest frontage which abuts on a street right-of-way. Parcels which already abut on a water main shall not be considered as part of the available frontage. "Commodity charge" shall mean a water use charge that varies in amount with the level of water the customer actually uses. This charge recovers the operating and maintenance costs associated with treating water to drinking water standards, providing the distribution network to provide water to customers, and recovers the cost of system capital improvements. "Consecutive" shall mean the purchase of bulk water that is distributed to principally residential consumers including but not limited to apartment and condominium complexes, planned unit developments, and manufactured homes. "Contract areas" means areas served with water by the city where a contract exists between the city and a political subdivision. "Corner parcel" shall be a lot or parcel abutting on two (2) or more intersecting streets. "Eligible senior customers" means any customer who: (1) Is receiving service by means of a single meter to a single-family residence; (2) Is personally responsible for payment of the bill as head of household; and (3) Is sixty (60) years of age or older having a total income of less than two hundred (200) percent of the poverty level as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census. "Front foot" shall mean the frontage that abuts on the street right-of-way. However, if a small section of a large property abuts the right-of-way, the front footage shall be the width of the larger more representative section of the property. When the property to be served does not abut upon a street right-of-way, front foot shall mean the width of the parcel. "Noncontract areas" means areas outside the city served with water by the city where no contract exists with a political subdivision. "Service connection" means the connection of all or any part of the service line to the tap. "Service charge" shall mean a fixed charge to recover the costs incurred to provide service whether or not any consumption is used. These costs may include meter repair and replacement expenses, meter reading expenses, the costs of producing and mailing utility bills, applying payment as it is received, providing customer support and service, and other related water system costs. "Service line" means the line extending from the tap onto the premises to be served and shall include all the necessary pipes, lines and appurtenances from the tap to and including the meter. "Tap" means the connection to the water main and the necessary pipes or lines extending from the water main to and including the curb stop or valve and box. "Total income" means the adjusted gross income of the applicant and spouse for the year preceding the year on which application for the senior consumer water rate is made, as determined under the "Internal Revenue Code of 1954," 26 U.S.C. 1, as amended, plus income from the following sources not included in the federal adjusted gross income: old age and survivors benefits received pursuant to the Social Security Act, retirements, pensions, annuities, payments received pursuant to the "Railroad Retirement Act," 45 U.S.C.231 et seq.; and interest on federal, state and local government obligations. Disability benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration or a branch of the armed forces of the United States on account of an injury or disability shall not be included in total income. "Water service outside city" means water service furnished to consumers in contract areas or water service authorized by the Director of Columbus Water & Power for consumers in noncontract areas. (Ord. 478-92; Ord. 728-99 § 1 (part); Ord. 1804-03 § 1; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part); Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 2635-2015, §§ 1, 6, 12-7-2015, eff. 2-1-2016; Ord. No. 0329-2019, § 1, 2-11-2019; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2836-2024, § 1, 11-25-2024; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.02 Rates established.

1105.02 - Rates established. The rates and charges for water and service furnished by the city to users and consumers, and the terms and conditions governing the construction and financing of new mains shall be established and fixed as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 155-64.)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.03 Relocation of fire hydrant.

1105.03 - Relocation of fire hydrant. Whenever the city, upon request, relocates a fire hydrant after its original installation, a fee shall be charged to the party requesting such relocation. The fee shall be equal to the total of the labor cost, material cost, plus ten (10) percent. The costs shall be as determined by the division of maintenance and approved by the chief of the division of fire of the city. (Ord. 777-56.)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.04 Residential inside city water rates.

1105.04 - Residential inside city water rates. The charges for Residential water supplied through meters to consumers within the corporate limits shall be based upon a service charge plus a commodity charge. The following rates shall apply to Residential water services within the city: Residential | 2026 Monthly Service Charge | Monthly Billed Account ⅝ inch meter | $12.45 ¾ inch meter | $12.74 1 inch meter | $13.37 1-½ inch meter | $19.38 2 inch meter | $41.42 3 inch meter | $52.20 4 inch meter | $81.31 6 inch meter | $237.45 8 inch meter | $346.44 10 inch meter | $591.55 12 inch meter | $606.06 16 inch meter | $609.71 Commodity Charge | 2026 Consumption Brackets First 5 CCF Per Month | $4.448 All over 5 CCF Per Month | $4.932 Consecutive Water Systems | $4.448 (Ord. 2732-97 (part); Ord. 2905-98 § 1 (part); Ord. 1715-02 § 1 (part): Ord. 2380-03 § 1: Ord. 1883-04 § 1: Ord. 1905-05 § 1; Ord. 1737-2006 § 1 (part): Ord. 1741-2007 § 1 (part); Ord. 1709-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1441-2009, § 1, 11-23-2009, eff. 1-1-2010; Ord. No. 1539-2010, § 1, 11-15-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; Ord. No. 1884-2011, § 1, 11-21-2011, eff. 1-1-2012; Ord. No. 2350-2012, § 1, 11-19-2012, eff. 1-1-2013; Ord. No. 2501-2013, § 1, 11-18-2013; Ord. No. 2476-2014, § 1, 11-17-2014; Ord. No. 2699-2015, §§ 1, 5, 11-23-2015, eff. 1-1-2016; Ord. No. 2644-2016, § 1(Att.), 11-21-2016, eff. 1-1-2017; Ord. No. 2728-2017, § 1(Att.), 11-20-2017; Ord. No. 2937-2018, § 1(Att.), 11-19-2018, eff. 1-1-2019; Ord. No. 2979-2019, § 1, 11-25-2019, eff. 1-1-2020; Ord. No. 2418-2020, § 1, 11-19-2020, eff. 1-1-2021; Ord. No. 2722-2021, § 1, 11-22-2021, eff. 1-1-2022; Ord. No. 3036-2022, § 1, 11-21-2022; Ord. No. 3131-2023, § 1, 11-20-2023; Ord. No. 2836-2024, § 1, 11-25-2024; Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.05 Outside city water rates.

1105.05 - Outside city water rates. A. For areas covered by retail contracts: the outside city rates shall be the total obtained by adding the inside city rates and the percentage increase or additions specified in the contract. If no percentage is specified in the contract, the outside city rates shall be the inside city rates multiplied by one and three tenths (1.3). B. For noncontract areas or areas where the contract has expired: the outside city rates shall be the inside city rates multiplied by one and one-half (1.5). (Ord. 2732-97 (part); Ord. 2905-98 § 1 (part); Ord. 1715-02 § 2: Ord. 2380 § 2: Ord. 1883-04 § 2: Ord. 1905-05 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.06 Charges when meter impracticable.

1105.06 - Charges when meter impracticable. When it is impracticable to supply water through a meter a fair and uniform charge shall be made by the administrator of the Division of Water. (Ord. 513-84: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.07 Meter service fee.

1105.07 - Meter service fee. A meter service fee shall be paid when a permit is issued for a service connection or a change in meter size. A meter service fee paid for one (1) property will not be transferred to another property. The cost of the meter service fee shall be based upon (1) the current contract cost of the metering system, (2) the current contract cost of the yoke or meter setter (usage of which is contingent upon meter size), and (3) the cost of installing and handling the metering system. The cost of the above items may be obtained from the Division of Water, water permits office. Metering system where the size of meter is five-eighths (⅝) inch—one and one-half (1½) inch shall be installed by, maintained by, and remain the property of the city except for any yoke and meter setter and any deducting meter(s), which shall remain the responsibility of the applicant or property owner. If neither a yoke nor a meter setter is required for a meter setting, the meter service fee less the current cost of the yoke or meter setter (whichever is applicable due to meter size) shall be the amount charged. Metering systems where the size of the meter is two (2) inches and larger shall be installed by the applicant under the inspection and approval of the Division of Water. The metering system shall be maintained by and remain the property of the city. General Provisions. The new meter service fee, as set forth above, shall become effective as of January 1, 2016. It will be reviewed each year by the Director of Columbus Water & Power, who shall recommend to council any needed adjustments based upon actual costs. (Ord. 478-92; Ord. 728-99 § 1 (part); Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 2699-2015, §§ 3, 5, 11-23-2015; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.08 Water tap charge.

1105.08 - Water tap charge. The Division of Water will make and maintain the water tap which shall remain the property of the city. The tap charge shall be paid in advance as follows: Size of tap—¾″ - 2″: The cost of the water tap charge shall be based upon the current contract costs of material and the current labor and equipment costs to construct the water tap plus twenty-five (25) percent. Size of tap—Larger than 2″: For taps larger than two (2) inches in nominal diameter, the charge shall be actual cost plus twenty-five (25) percent. A cash deposit equal to the estimated charge shall be required. Any excess deposit will be refunded and any deficiency shall be paid. All water taps in subdivisions or developments must be installed at the time the water mains are installed, pursuant to Section 183 of the Charter. Every property owner shall be required to install a tap for each lot or parcel immediately prior to the paving of any street when ordered by the director of public service pursuant to Section 183 of the Charter. Taps may be installed by a qualified contractor upon issuance of a permit by the Division of Water. Such installation must conform to the standards and specifications of the Division of Water and must be approved by the Division of Water. (Ord. 2810-89: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.09 Special charges.

1105.09 - Special charges. The following charges shall be paid for the specified special services furnished by the Division of Water: A. Special meter reading at request of consumer, except for final bill or initial service: ..... During regular working hours .....$30.00 After regular working hours .....$30.00 B. Service charge for trip to discontinue or attempt to discontinue water service or to turn on the water service due to non-payment of account arrearages .....$20.00 C. Service charge to (1) relocate metering system due to obstruction of the metering system or at the request of the customer, (2) disconnect or remove the metering system at request of customer, except where service line is being capped and abandoned, or (3) reconnect the metering system at request of the customer .....$40.00 (Plus actual cost of relocating, disconnecting, removing and/or reconnecting any part of the metering system.) D. Service charge to turn on or off service at curb box at request of customer (except for emergency repairs.) ..... During regular working hours .....$30.00 After regular working hours .....$30.00 E. Service charge to repair meter damaged by customer abuse, tampering, freezing, or hot water. (Plus actual cost of repair or new metering system, if required.) ..... Residential: During regular working hours .....$60.00 Residential: After regular working hours .....$65.00 Commercial: .....$315.00 F. Service charge to investigate, notify or discontinue water service where fraud or illegal diversion has occurred, including unauthorized turn on or other violation of the rules and regulations of the Director of Columbus Water & Power (plus estimated quantity of water used) .....$20.00 G. Testing of meter at request of customer: ..... (1) Where meter does not test within ninety-seven (97) percent and one hundred three (103) percent accuracy .....None (2) Where meter tests within ninety-seven (97) percent and one hundred three (103) percent accuracy .....$40.00 (3) Where meter is two (2) inches or larger in diameter, the meter shall be removed, transported to and from the meter shop, and reinstalled by the consumer under the inspection and approval of the Division of Water .....$30.00 H. Returned check processing charge .....$25.00 I. Service charge for additional trip to install metering system .....$25.00 J. Service charge to pump out meter pit to obtain a meter reading .....$65.00 K. Service charges associated with the chlorination process shall be as follows (full service contract areas only): ..... (1) Preliminary field check .....$50.00 (2) Additional field checks (each occasion) .....$50.00 (3) Chlorination/flushed (each occasion) .....$130.00 (4) Flush and sample (each occasion) .....$130.00 (5) Processing charge .....$15.00 (6) Lab Sample (each sample) .....$15.00 (7) Water Usage .....$25.00 (8) Chlorine (per event) .....$10.00 L. Special charge for renewed service inspections performed on overtime .....$30.00 M. Hydrant Flow Test .....$220.00 N. Charges and fees for personnel services, administrative costs, indirect costs, labor and material supplied by the Division of Water may be established by Rule and Regulation of the Director pursuant to 1101.1. ..... O. City of Columbus Backflow Tester (initial fee) .....$100.00 (1) Annual Renewal Fee .....$25.00 P. Backflow Device Program Fee (annual fee) .....$25.00 (Ord. 1848-90; Ord. 74-01 § 1; Ord. 1848-90; Ord. 478-92; Ord. 1506-99 § 1; Ord. 680-02 § 1; Ord. 1621-03 § 1; Ord. 0572-04 § 1; Ord. 1211-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 1541-2010, § 1, 11-15-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.10 Fire protection service inside city.

1105.10 - Fire protection service inside city. For all fire protection service installations made after the effective date of this chapter requiring a separate fire service line the consumer shall install at the consumer's expense, subject to the inspection and approval of the Division of Water, all of the piping system necessary to extend from the consumer's system and connect to the city's existing water main. All separate fire service lines shall have installed, before service is established, an approved meter installation. Such meter and the installation shall meet the specifications and approval of the Division of Water and the entire installation shall be at the expense of the consumer. The following rates shall apply to fire protection services: For areas covered by retail contracts, the outside city rates shall be the total obtained by adding the inside city rates and the percentage increase or additions specified in the contract. If no percentage is specified in the contract, the outside city rates shall be the inside city rates multiplied by one and three tenths (1.3). For noncontract areas or areas where the contract has expired, the outside city rate shall be the inside city rate multiplied by one and one-half (1.5). The city reserves the right to order the installation of a meter on an existing fire protection line upon violation of applicable ordinances and the rules and regulations of the Director of Columbus Water & Power. No charge except the minimum charge will be made for any measured water flow resulting from the use of water for fire fighting purposes when such fire has been reported to the fire department serving the area involved. Where an unmetered tap for a fire service line exists, the following charge shall be paid in lieu of the minimum charges per month prescribed in C.C. Sections 1105.04 and 1105.05: When a property is served with both a fire protection service and water service, the amount to be paid for the combined service shall be the charge computed by using the applicable commodity rate established in Sections 1105.04 and 1105.05 and, where applicable, the monthly unmetered fire protection service charge established in Section 1105.10. When a property is served by more than one (1) fire protection service and such services provide water to a common inter-connected fire protection system, the services shall be considered a single fire protection service with the rates or charges to be based on the largest tap or meter. All outlets, except sprinkler heads, on unmetered fire protection service shall be sealed under the supervision of the Division of Water. No person shall break a seal or withdraw water from any unmetered fire protection system, except in the case of fire, without prior approval of the administrator of the Division of Water. (Ord. 478-92: Ord. 2380 § 4; Ord. 2755-80; Ord. 2732-97 (part); Ord. 1715-02 § 4: Ord. 2380 § 4: Ord. 1883-04 § 4; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.11 Water main front foot connection charge.

1105.11 - Water main front foot connection charge. Each applicant shall pay the sum of twenty-two dollars ($22.00) effective January 1, 1999 per front foot of the property to be served provided that this charge shall not be imposed for the replacement of a tap or increase in size of an existing tap. This charge shall not be imposed if the owner of the property concerned can show that said property owner or their predecessor in title paid, or is paying a special assessment for the construction of any of the water mains which provide such service or at no expense to the water enterprise fund constructed any of the water mains which provide such service. The number of feet to be paid for shall be determined by one of the following methods: A. Lots or parcels of ground having the same width at the front and rear and the same depth on each side shall be charged based on the actual frontage along the main line. B. Lots or parcels of ground which are of irregular shape shall be charged based upon the following formulas. 1. For lots or parcels of ground with frontage in a straight line: footage will be measured on a line forty (40) feet from the front lot line and parallel to the center line of the street upon which such property is to face. 2. For lots or parcels of ground with curved frontage: the width will be measured on a line parallel to, and forty (40) feet distant from, a line tangent to such curved frontage at a point midway between the sides of the lots or parcels of ground. C. The Director of Columbus Water & Power or appointed designee reserves the right to calculate and/or change front footage charges based upon topographical characteristics of a lot or irregular parcel of ground not covered in subsections (A) and (B) above. Reasons for such reductions may include, but are not limited to, gullies, ditches, creeks, streams, and/or utility easements. (Ord. 725-05 § 1.) (Ord. 2528-96 § 1 (part); Ord. 728-99 § 1 (part); Ord. 1447-02 § 1; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026.)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.12 Billing, meter reading—Terms of payment.

1105.12 - Billing, meter reading—Terms of payment. A. Billing. The city may render bills for water service on either a monthly or quarterly basis. B. Water Bill Calculations. All meter readings and billings may be in units of one hundred (100) or one thousand (1,000) cubic feet, cubic meters or gallons and there shall be no proration of rates, except rates which may be prorated at the time of a rate change. Monthly periods described in Sections 1105.04, 1105.05, 1105.055, 1147.11, 1147.14, and 1149.07 are based on a thirty-day period. The amount billed shall be established by dividing the applicable rate by thirty (30) days to derive a daily rate and multiplying the daily rate by the number of days in the billing period. C. Terms of Payment. The water rates prescribed in City Code Sections 1105.04, 1105.05, 1105.09 and 1105.10 are net. If bills are not paid within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of billing a gross rate, which is the net rate plus ten (10) percent, shall apply. D. Termination for Nonpayment of Accounts. Water service may be terminated for nonpayment of any and all charges now and hereafter in force, whether charged by the City of Columbus Division of Water, City of Columbus division of water reclamation, or any of the division's contracting political subdivisions. Termination of water service for nonpayment of account shall be pursuant to the provisions of city code Section 1101.03. Service fees will continue to be charged during the period water service is terminated pursuant to Section 1105.23. (Ord. 2805-91: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 0329-2019, § 3, 2-11-2019; Ord. No. 1682-2025, §§ 3, 4, 6-30-2025; Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.13 Distribution of waterworks revenues.

1105.13 - Distribution of waterworks revenues. There shall be and hereby is established for the Division of Water, one (1) basic fund, entitled the "Water System Revenue." This fund is to be used for all normal operating costs of the Division of Water in providing water service. The distribution of water revenue, as covered by Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, shall be as follows: All expenditures from this fund shall be limited to those which are authorized by council through the normal appropriation process. (Ord. 1904-85; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.14 Water main extension.

1105.14 - Water main extension. The Director of Columbus Water & Power is authorized to provide water service to new consumers inside the corporate limits of the city when the Director determines that the water main extension is feasible both economically and from an engineering point of view and will not be detrimental to the best interests of the city having given consideration to the overall effect on the total water system and to the long term plans and probable future growth of the water system of the city. (Ord. 478-92: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.15 Charge for extension of water mains.

1105.15 - Charge for extension of water mains. (A) Contract Areas: (1) All water main extensions in areas having contract with the city for water service shall be installed and paid for as specified in the contract. (B) Noncontract Areas: (1) All water main extensions in areas having no contract with the city for water service shall be installed and paid for by the developer, applicants or political subdivision requesting such service at no expense to the city, regardless of the size of water main installed or length of extension. (2) The specifications and standards of construction for all water main extensions shall be approved by the Division of Water. (3) The size of all water mains shall be determined by the administrator of the Division of Water and shall be large enough not only to serve the areas under immediate consideration but also to serve areas which are likely to be developed and which would be served by the water main under construction. Unless otherwise required by the administrator of the Division of Water, no water main shall be smaller than six (6) inches nominal diameter. (4) All extensions of water mains shall include the installation of all taps, valves and fire hydrants. The number and location of fire hydrants shall be in accordance with standards established by the Columbus Division of Fire and shall be installed and paid for by the applicant or developer under the supervision of the Columbus Division of Fire. The number and location of all taps and valves shall be as required by the administrator of the Division of Water. (5) All water mains and appurtenances shall be owned, operated and maintained by the city, with title to be vested in the city upon completion of the water main. (C) Within the city. (1) All water main extensions in the city shall be paid for by the applicant or developer requesting such extension. Where a water main extension is required by the city to be installed larger than eight (8) inches in nominal diameter, the city shall pay one hundred ten (110) percent of the difference in the cost of the pipe, fittings and valves between the installation of an eight (8) inch water main and the water main installed. (2) The administrator of the Division of Water shall determine from the division's records, or other sources, the cost of the pipe, fittings and valves, and this determination shall be final. (3) The Director of Columbus Water & Power may authorize water main extensions to be installed by a qualified developer and the director shall determine whether the water main shall be installed by the city or by the applicant or developer. (4) For each water main extension requested and installed by the city, the Division of Water shall make an estimate of the total costs involved and the applicants or developer shall make a deposit to the city that is sufficient to cover the estimated cost of the water main extension. If the actual cost of the extension is higher or lower than the deposit, the applicants or developer will be refunded the amount of any excess deposit or shall pay to the city any deficit that may exist in the deposit, as the case may be. (5) When water main extensions are installed by the city, the cost may be assessed against the abutting property owners, with the approval of council. Such assessment shall be in an amount equal to the total installation cost unless the line is required by the city to be larger than eight (8) inches. When the water main is required by the city to be installed larger than eight (8) inches, the amount assessed shall be the total installation cost less one hundred ten (110) percent of the difference in the cost of the pipes, fittings and valves between the installation of an eight (8) inch watermain and the water main installed. The costs shall be determined as prescribed in paragraph (2) above. (6) The specifications and standards of construction for all water main extensions shall be prepared by the Division of Water. Plans and installation shall be subject to approval of the Division of Water. (7) The size of all water mains shall be determined by the administrator of the Division of Water and shall be large enough not only to serve the areas under immediate consideration but also to serve areas which are likely to be developed and which should be served by the water main under consideration. Unless otherwise required by the administrator of the Division of Water, no water main shall be smaller than six (6) inches nominal diameter. (8) All extensions of water mains shall include the installation of all taps, valves and fire hydrants. The number and location of the fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Columbus Division of Fire. The number and location of all taps and valves shall be as required by the administrator of the Division of Water. (9) All water mains and appurtenances shall be owned, operated and maintained by the city, with title to be vested in the city upon completion of the water main. (10) No water mains shall be installed except by the city unless authorized by an agreement between the city and the developer or applicants. Where water mains are installed by a developer or applicants and abut on parcels not owned by the developer or applicants nor included in the agreement, the developer or applicants shall be entitled to reimbursement when such parcels are connected to the water main within ten (10) years after the completion of the water main from the funds collected by the city for such connections pursuant to Section 1105-11 C.C. The amount of the reimbursement shall be determined by dividing the cost of the water main paid by the developer or applicants by the available frontage abutting on the water main provided that the total amount of reimbursement per front foot of property served shall not exceed the applicable charges established by Section 1105.11 C.C. To be eligible for this reimbursement, the developer or applicants must file with the Division of Water within ninety (90) days after the completion of the water main or such further time as may be authorized by the Director of Columbus Water & Power in accordance with the standards and specifications, receipts for all labor and material used in connection with the construction of the water main, together with the final, as-built plans, properly referenced for future location of the work. (Ord. 478-92; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0971-2010, § 1, 9-13-2010; Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 1163-2015, § 1, 5-18-2015; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.16 Separability of provisions.

1105.16 - Separability of provisions. Each section and each part of each section of this chapter is hereby declared to be an independent section or part of a section and, notwithstanding any other evidence of legislative intent that if any section or part of a section or any provision thereof, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remaining sections or parts of sections and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstances, other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby, and it is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that these sections or parts of sections would have been adopted independently of such sections or parts of a section so held to be invalid. (Ord. 155-64; Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.17 Water system capacity charge.

1105.17 - Water system capacity charge. No person shall make a service connection or any part thereof, unless a permit has been issued by the Director of Columbus Water & Power or appointed designee. The following charges shall be levied for each service connection made to any property and shall be paid at the time a permit is issued for the service connection. A separate payment shall be submitted for each permit requested. If an existing tap is replaced with a new tap, the system capacity charge for the new tap shall be reduced by the system capacity rate for each tap replaced. Should the sum total of the credits exceed the system capacity rate for the new tap, the system capacity charge shall be zero (0.00). Replacement tap credits will be determined by current system capacity rates. No credit refunds will be issued. For all taps used to supply fire protection only, the charge shall be one-half (½) the amount specified in this section. Water System Capacity Charges Inside City Tap Size | Amount ¾ | $1,406 1 | 2,210 1-½ | 4,821 2 | 10,045 3 | 20,089 4 | 40,179 6 | 64,286 8 | 112,501 10 | 220,984 12 | 341,520 16 | 401,788 Water System Capacity Charges Contract Areas Tap Size | Amount ¾ | 1,828 1 | 2,873 1-½ | 6,268 2 | 13,058 3 | 26,116 4 | 52,232 6 | 83,572 8 | 146,251 10 | 287,279 12 | 443,976 16 | 522,325 Water System Capacity Charges Noncontract Areas Tap Size | Amount ¾ | $2,109 1 | 3,315 1-½ | 7,232 2 | 15,067 3 | 30,134 4 | 60,268 6 | 96,429 8 | 168,751 10 | 331,475 12 | 512,280 16 | 602,682 (Ord. 525-96; Ord. 781-02 § 1: Ord. 1931-05 § 1; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.18 Corrections to billing; limits; exception.

1105.18 - Corrections to billing; limits; exception. (A) If the Division of Water has undercharged a customer for water service because of a malfunctioning metering system or billing error, the division may bill the customer for the portion of the unbilled water consumption used in the two-year period immediately prior to the date the division remedies the malfunctioning meter or billing error. (B) If, however, during the two-year period described in Part A, the Division of Water has attempted to verify or repair a malfunctioning metering system and the customer has not responded to requests to read or repair the meter, the division will bill the customer for the amount of the unbilled water used in the six-year period immediately prior to the date the division remedies the malfunctioning meter. (C) This section does not apply to tampering with utility equipment or theft of the utility service as defined in Section 1105.038 of the Columbus City Code and Section 4933.18 and 4933.19 of the Ohio Revised Code, or where a physical act of a customer or its agent causes inaccurate or no recording of the meter reading, or inaccurate or no measurement of the water rendered. (Ord. 963-91; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 1595-2009, § 7, 2-1-2010; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.19 Water sampling credit.

1105.19 - Water sampling credit. To provide proper compensation to customers for their assistance in any collection or sampling efforts that may be mandated by any local, state or federal agency. The Division of Water may apply a credit to any customer's account for such services rendered. This credit shall be determined by actual cost related to the services that the Division of Water has requested of any individual customer. (Ord. 1114-00 § 1: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 1163-2015, § 1, 5-18-2015)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.20 Yard restoration.

1105.20 - Yard restoration. In cases wherein the Division of Water has performed excavation in an easement or public right-of-way for the purposes of repairing or replacing a portion of the water distribution system, the Division of Water may offer to compensate property owner for acceptance of responsibility for yard restoration in lieu of the Division of Water providing this service. Acceptance of responsibility shall be established by means of a signed agreement with the property owner. Compensation shall be made as a credit to the property owner's account. Compensation shall be based on the square footage of the damaged area applied to a predetermined cost structure, based on actual costs. (Ord. 1033-03 § 1; Ord. 0178-03 § 1: Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.21 Income qualified discount for commodity charges.

1105.21 - Income qualified discount for commodity charges. (A) For purposes of this section, "income qualified residential customer" is defined as a direct residential customer of the city (whether inside the city or outside the city) having a total income of less than two hundred (200) percent of the poverty level as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census or who is eligible for food stamp benefits, Ohio Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Home Energy Assistance (HEAP), Ohio Works First, Social Security Disability, public housing benefits, or any other state or federal low income assistance program acceptable to the director. (B) All income qualified residential customers may receive a thirty (30) percent discount on the commodity portion of their sewer bill. This discount will be available to the income qualified residential customer upon application to and approval of Columbus Water & Power. (C) The Director may adopt regulations necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this section. Regulations promulgated, pursuant to this chapter by the Director shall be published in the City Bulletin, with copies of the regulations being available for public review at the Director's office and other locations which may be designated by the Director. (D) Master metered properties are eligible to receive thirty (30) percent discount on the commodity portion of their sewer bill if the property owner proves to the satisfaction of the Director that the property meets one or both of the following criteria: (1) eighty (80) percent or more of the rental units are occupied by participants in qualifying programs outlined in 1147.19(A); or (2) the property receives subsidized housing benefits from any state or federal low income assistance program acceptable to the director. If the criteria are met, the entire building or complex will be eligible to receive the thirty (30) percent commodity rate discount. The discount shall be applied to the master meter bill. Property owners must transmit the full benefit of the discount to residents. (E) Political subdivisions receiving water service pursuant to a wholesale master meter contract with the city are eligible to receive the income qualified discount if the political subdivision adopts the income qualified discount program as described in Section 1147.19 of the Columbus City Codes. Participating master metered suburban community customers must provide to Columbus Water & Power a detailed listing in an approved format of all qualifying customers and their commodity usage prior to application of the discount to the mastered metered account billing. The discount shall apply only to the measured commodity usage of qualifying customers within the master metered suburban community's customer accounts. (Ord. 1905-05 § 4; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part): Ord. 962-06 § 1 (part); Ord. 1709 § 2; Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part); Ord. No. 2635-2015, §§ 2, 6, 12-7-2015, eff. 2-1-2016; Ord. No. 3199-2022, § 2, 12-12-2022; Ord. No. 2836-2024, § 4, 11-25-2024; Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.22 Eligible senior customer discount.

1105.22 - Eligible senior customer discount. Eligible senior customers may have monthly water service charges waived from water bills. This discount will be available to eligible senior customers upon successful completion of application and approval by Columbus Water & Power. (Ord. No. 2635-2015, § 5, 12-7-2015, eff. 2-1-2016; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.23 Charges during termination.

1105.23 - Charges during termination. Water service charges will continue to be charged during the period that water service is terminated. (Ord. No. 0329-2019, § 4, 2-11-2019)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.038 Water metering systems.

1105.038 - Water metering systems. A. The Director of Columbus Water & Power is hereby authorized to install, read, maintain, and replace metering systems for any and all water service lines, including but not limited to fire service lines, for properties served with water by the Division of Water. No person acting under the direction or authorization of the Director of Columbus Water & Power shall be required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness or approval under Title 31, Title 33, or Title 34 for the installation, maintenance, or replacement of such metering systems. B. The Director of Columbus Water & Power or the director's appointed agents are authorized to enter all properties served with water by the Division of Water for the purpose of installing, reading, maintaining, and replacing metering systems. C. Water service may be terminated for failure of a customer to provide access to the property for the purpose of installing, reading, maintaining, or replacing the metering systems pursuant to the provisions of city code Section 1101.03. Service charges will continue to be charged during the period water service is terminated pursuant to Section 1105.23. D. The property owner shall pay the appropriate service termination and resumption charges as specified in Section 1105.09 for denying access to the Director of Columbus Water & Power or the director's agents for the purpose of installing, reading, maintaining, and replacing the metering system. E. The customer is responsible for damage to the metering system resulting from negligence, vandalism, freezing or hot water and shall be charged for said damages to the meter according to Section 1105.09, Part E, except that said charge shall not be imposed when to the satisfaction of the director it is shown that the damage is the result of conditions beyond the control of the customer. F. If the customer causes the obstruction of a metering system after its installation, or requests that the metering system be relocated, and the Division of Water agrees to perform such relocation, the customer shall be responsible for the relocation trip charge as specified in Section 1105.09, plus the actual costs of relocating any part of the metering system. G. The Director of Columbus Water & Power will determine the type of metering system to be installed for each water service line and if in the director's opinion an existing system is inadequate to meet the intent of Section 1105.038, the director shall cause it to be replaced with a system meeting said intent. (Ord. 478-92; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012; Ord. No. 0329-2019, § 2, 2-11-2019; Ord. No. 3188-2025, § 1, 12-15-2025; Ord. No. 3314-2025, § 1(Exh. A), 12-15-2025; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.041 Commercial and industrial inside city water rates.

1105.041 - Commercial and industrial inside city water rates. The charges for Commercial and Industrial water supplied through meters to consumers within the corporate limits shall be based upon a service charge plus a commodity charge. The following rates shall apply to Commercial and Industrial water services within the city: Commercial/Industrial | 2026 Monthly Service Charge | Monthly Billed Account ⅝ inch meter | $12.45 ¾inch meter | $12.74 1 inch meter | $13.37 1-½ inch meter | $19.38 2 inch meter | $41.42 3 inch meter | $52.20 4 inch meter | $81.31 6 inch meter | $237.45 8 inch meter | $346.44 10 inch meter | $591.55 12 inch meter | $606.06 16 inch meter | $609.71 Commodity Charge | 2026 Uniform Rate | $3.824 (Ord. 1905-05 § 2 (part); Ord. 1737-2006 § 1 (part) : Ord. 1741-2007 § 1 (part) : Ord. 1741-2007 § 1 (part); Ord. 1709-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1441-2009, § 1, 11-23-2009, eff. 1-1-2010; Ord. No. 1539-2010, § 1, 11-15-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; Ord. No. 1884-2011, § 1, 11-21-2011, eff. 1-1-2012; Ord. No. 2350-2012, § 1, 11-19-2012, eff. 1-1-2013; Ord. No. 2501-2013, § 1, 11-18-2013; Ord. No. 2476-2014, § 1, 11-17-2014; Ord. No. 2699-2015, §§ 1, 5, 11-23-2015, eff. 1-1-2016; Ord. No. 2644-2016, § 1(Att.), 11-21-2016, eff. 1-1-2017; Ord. No. 2728-2017, § 1(Att.), 11-20-2017; Ord. No. 2937-2018, § 1(Att.), 11-19-2018, eff. 1-1-2019; Ord. No. 2979-2019, § 1, 11-25-2019, eff. 1-1-2020; Ord. No. 2418-2020, § 1, 11-19-2020, eff. 1-1-2021; Ord. No. 2722-2021, § 1, 11-22-2021, eff. 1-1-2022; Ord. No. 3036-2022, § 1, 11-21-2022; Ord. No. 3131-2023, § 1, 11-20-2023; Ord. No. 2836-2024, § 1, 11-25-2024; Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.045 Unpaid charges a lien—Owner liable.

1105.045 - Unpaid charges a lien—Owner liable. A. Each water charge charged under or pursuant to Chapter 1105, Columbus City Codes, is made a lien upon the corresponding lot, parcel of land, building or premises served by a connection to the water system of the city, and if the same is not paid within sixty (60) days after it becomes due and payable, it shall be certified to the auditor of Franklin County, Ohio, who shall place the certified amount on the real property tax list and duplicate of the property served by the connection. A penalty charge of ten (10) percent on the amount that is due and payable shall be added to the certified amount, plus an administrative charge for handling as specified in Section 1105.09. http://library.municode.com/HTML/16219/level2/TIT11WASEELCO_CH1105WARACH.html The total certified amount shall be collected as other taxes are collected. The city shall provide the owner of property with written notice of the impending certification at least thirty (30) days prior to the certification. For any procedure not specified in this section, refer to Section 743.04 of the Ohio Revised Code. B. The division may also collect unpaid water charges by actions at law, in the name of the city, from an owner, tenant, or other person who is liable to pay the charges. C. The owners of real estate premises installing or maintaining water service shall be liable for all water charges incurred for service at said premises. D. The division will directly bill a tenant for water and sewer service if the property owner, or authorized agent of the property owner, along with the tenant, sign a written agreement authorizing direct billing of the tenant. Once a written agreement is signed, the division will simultaneously mail, to both the owner and the tenant, copies of any bills and notices concerning delinquent water and sewer charges. This requirement shall affect contracts made on or after the effective date of this paragraph. E. Direct billing of a tenant shall be in no way construed as to relieve the owner of the real estate premises of liability for water and sewer service charges. No direct billing of a tenant will be allowed where all delinquent water and sewer charges are not paid in full up until the date the direct billing agreement is accepted by the city, or where water or sewer service has been terminated for real estate premises. F. The owner of real estate premises by installing or maintaining water service from the city is deemed to assent to all rules and regulations of the Division of Water and ordinance of the city pertaining to water service and distribution. (Ord. 2804-91; Ord. 422-06 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0139-2011, § 1, 3-7-2011; Ord. No. 2398-2012, § 4, 12-3-2012)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.055 Outside city mastermetered contract water rates.

1105.055 - Outside city mastermetered contract water rates. A. For areas covered by wholesale mastermetered contracts, the rates shall be as follows: Master Meter | 2026 Monthly Service Charge | Monthly Billed Account ⅝ inch meter | $70.71 ¾ inch meter | $71.73 1 inch meter | $72.87 1-½ inch meter | $92.69 2 inch meter | $121.17 3 inch meter | $157.64 4 inch meter | $173.11 6 inch meter | $540.29 8 inch meter | $757.98 10 inch meter | $836.43 12 inch meter | $855.31 16 inch meter | $860.02 Commodity Charge Net Rate Per CCF | $4.731 (Ord. 2732-97 (part); Ord. 2905-98 § 1 (part); Ord. 2558-99 § 1; Ord. 2454-00 § 1: Ord. 1715-02 § 3: Ord. 2380-03 § 3: Ord. 1883-04 § 3: Ord. 1905-05 § 3; Ord. 1737-2006 § 2: Ord. 1741-2007 § 1 (part); Ord. 1709-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1441-2009, § 2, 11-23-2009, eff. 1-1-2010; Ord. No. 1539-2010, § 2, 11-15-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; Ord. No. 1884-2011, § 2, 11-21-2011, eff. 1-1-2012; Ord. No. 2350-2012, § 2, 11-19-2012, eff. 1-1-2013; Ord. No. 2501-2013, § 2, 11-18-2013; Ord. No. 2476-2014, § 2, 11-17-2014; Ord. No. 2699-2015, §§ 2, 5, 11-23-2015, eff. 1-1-2016; Ord. No. 2644-2016, § 2(Att.), 11-21-2016, eff. 1-1-2017; Ord. No. 2728-2017, § 2(Att.), 11-20-2017; Ord. No. 2937-2018, § 2(Att.), 11-19-2018, eff. 1-1-2019; Ord. No. 2979-2019, § 2, 11-25-2019, eff. 1-1-2020; Ord. No. 2418-2020, § 1, 11-19-2020, eff. 1-1-2021; Ord. No. 2722-2021, § 2, 11-22-2021, eff. 1-1-2022; Ord. No. 3036-2022, § 2, 11-21-2022; Ord. No. 3131-2023, § 2, 11-20-2023; Ord. No. 2836-2024, § 1, 11-25-2024; Ord. No. 3082-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 1105.056 Rights-of-way additional charges.

1105.056 - Rights-of-way additional charges. An additional charge, calculated on a per CCF basis, shall be applied to all volumes of service charges rendered within service areas outside the city to fully recover any and all costs associated with fees or charges imposed on the city water distribution system during the applicable billing period for the use of rights-of-way within that service area. (Ord. No. 1595-2009, § 1, 2-1-2010)

Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT11WASEELCO_CH1105WARACHFetched: 10/27/2026