Columbus advances water and sewer expansions to support rapid regional growth

Columbus advances water and sewer expansions to support rapid regional growthCity Council has authorized a $5 million real estate acquisition to connect the new Home Road water plant to the existing distribution system, alongside a $1.9 million contract to extend sanitary sewer service toward New Albany.

Council approved up to $5 million from the Water Fresh Water Market Rate Fund to acquire 84 easements for the Fourth Water Plant Transmission Main Phase 1 project.

A $1.91 million construction management contract modification was awarded to Smoot Construction Company of Ohio for the Big Walnut Trunk Extension Phase 2.

The Big Walnut project will provide sanitary sewer service between Hoover Reservoir and New Albany, eliminating home septic systems and expanding the utility's ratepayer base.

Council also approved $75,000 for special legal counsel to assist Columbus Water and Power with its PFAS action plan development.

The Columbus City Council approved several pivotal water and wastewater infrastructure measures during its June 8, 2026, meeting, focusing heavily on expanding utility capacity to accommodate rapid regional development. Leading the approvals was a $5 million authorization for the City Attorney to acquire 84 real estate easements necessary for the Fourth Water Plant Transmission Main Phase 1 project. The funding, drawn from the Water Fresh Water Market Rate Fund, will enable Columbus Water and Power to connect the new Home Road water plant to the city's existing distribution network. "As the Central Ohio region continues to grow, the Home Road Water Plant will increase reliability and resiliency across the water supply system," the chair of the Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee noted during the meeting. The ordinance is contingent upon loan approval from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). On the wastewater side, the council authorized a $1.91 million contract modification with Smoot Construction Company of Ohio for professional construction management services on the Big Walnut Trunk Extension Phase 2. Also contingent on OWDA funding, this project will extend sanitary sewer lines into the rapidly developing corridor between the Hoover Reservoir and the City of New Albany. According to the committee chair, the Big Walnut extension will eliminate existing home septic tank systems in the area, which is expected to improve watershed runoff. Furthermore, the expansion will increase the number of ratepayers and expand the tax base for the city's utility system. In addition to major capital expansions, the council addressed water quality and regulatory compliance by approving a $75,000 contract modification with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. The firm will provide special legal counsel services for the development of Columbus Water and Power's PFAS action plan, which aims to prevent and mitigate the effects of PFAS exposure and ensure consistent water supply reliability. The council also approved a $2.36 million construction contract with Complete General Construction Company for the Walhalla Ravine stream restoration project. Financed through the Sanitary Revolving Loan Fund and Sanitary Bond Fund, the project is designed to stabilize the ravine's channel bed and banks, reducing erosion and suspended sediment loads.