Columbus approves $14.1 million for water main and lead service line replacements

Columbus approves $14.1 million for water main and lead service line replacementsThe city has greenlit two major construction contracts targeting the installation of over 22,000 linear feet of new water mains, with funding contingent on Ohio Water Development Authority loans.

Fields Excavating was awarded a $7.36 million contract for the Heyl Avenue Area Water Line Improvements Project.

JLD Construction Services secured a $6.8 million contract for the Shamrock Drive Area Water Line Improvements Project.

Both projects include the replacement of privately owned lead service lines to improve water service and reduce network water loss.

The council also approved an emergency $2.5 million contract for utility power distribution repairs following severe mid-August storms.

The Columbus City Council advanced significant investments in its drinking water distribution network on August 31, 2026, approving over $14.1 million in construction contracts aimed at replacing aging water mains and privately owned lead service lines. The largest of the two primary authorizations is a $7.36 million construction contract awarded to Fields Excavating, Inc. for the Heyl Avenue Area Water Line Improvements Project. According to the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee, the project involves the installation of approximately 11,260 linear feet of new water mains alongside the replacement of private lead service lines. Similarly, the council approved a $6.8 million construction contract with JLD Construction Services LLC for the Shamrock Drive Area Water Line Improvements Project. This initiative will install roughly 11,000 linear feet of new water mains and replace lead service lines in the city's Mid-East neighborhood. The committee noted that both projects are designed to improve water service, minimize water loss, and reduce the operational burden on city maintenance crews. Funding for both capital projects will be drawn primarily from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund. The execution of the ordinances remains contingent upon the approval of loans from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). To oversee the work, the council also approved planned contract modifications for construction administration and inspection services, awarding $1.31 million to Resource International, Inc. for the Heyl Avenue project and $1.09 million to CTL Engineering, Inc. for the Shamrock Drive project. In a separate emergency measure, the council authorized a $2.5 million contract with New River Electrical Corporation to address severe storm damage sustained by Columbus Water & Power in mid-August. The emergency waiver will fund critical upgrades and repairs to the utility's power distribution lines to prevent further disruption to daily operations.