Columbus provides a variety of services to protect both surface & drinking water quality. We work with communities upstream to help reduce the impact of agricultural activities. In our own community, we partner with landowners adjacent to our reservoirs and monitor construction sites to limit sedimentation that can impact local waterways. We also protect the quality of life downstream by discharging clean water from our wastewater treatment plants.   

Learn about the water supply system that serves central Ohio residents now and into the future.

An introduction to our watershed program covers the importance of protecting our drinking water source and supply. Includes landscaping with native plants, & the Land Stewardship Program for residents who live beside the source.

Prevent water pollution through everyday living with simple tips to keep our water clean. Related topics include a Storm Drain Marker Program & Central Ohio River Pride. Simple tips cover topics such as: disposal of household hazerdous waste, yard waste (including pet waste) and cooking grease; making simple lawn care choices; reducing stormwater runoff; maintaining cars & driveways properly; litter clean-ups & more.

The Department of Public Utilities, its customers and local watershed groups work together in a unique partnership to protect our Watershed. Central Ohio residents participate in proactive watershed protection.

Participate in this month-long event promoting awareness & appreciation of our natural waterways by volunteering in stream-bank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & more. There are several dates, locations & events available throughout the month of June & other ways to get involved year round.

A leading cause of sewer blockages across the U.S. is the accumulation of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in the sanitary sewers.  The greasy waste enters the sewers through connections from homes, food service establishments, and industrial wastewater dischargers. The blockages cause sanitary sewer overflows into local waterways and backups into basements of nearby homes and businesses.

When volume exceeds capacity, sewer overflows can discharge into local waterways. Learn why this happens & where, what we are doing about it and what residents can do to help.

Summer & fall offer perfect weather for this volunteer opportunity to raise awareness that dumping waste into storm drains contributes to water pollution & endangers wildlife. Decals, adhesive & instruction is provided for volunteers to apply on curbs near storm drain inlets - perfect for individuals or groups.

Rain gardens are a natural way to use rain water as a resource instead of a waste product. Learn about rain gardens: installation, sizing, example plants, design ideas, Seasonal gardening tips, recently awarded grant projects & technical resources. Learn more about rain gardens & CORGI...

Columbus City codes protect our waterways including any river, creek, stream, reservoir or other watercourse from which the City takes water for its water supply. A violation can lead to a misdemeanor and fines or jail time. View City Codes Protecting our Water Supply.