Question 1

I have rusty water. Are you flushing hydrants?

Accepted Answer

Fire hydrants are flushed in the middle of April to the middle of May. Contact the Fire Prevention Office at 614-583-5100 to see if a hydrant in your area is being flushed. If your water is rusty and it is not during the flushing season, call Columbus Water Division at 614-645-7788 to see if there is a water main break or if there is construction in your neighborhood.

Question 2

If I sell my home between utility billing cycles, will the City reimburse me for the “unused” service period?

Accepted Answer

No, all fees included on your utility invoice (stormwater, solid waste, neighborhood lighting utility—if applicable) run with the property and the City does not prorate the amount due should a property change hands during the year. The individual/party that owns the property in question when the utility bill is received is responsible for payment in full.We recommend that you discuss balancing your utility account through your realtor and escrow closing, similar to how property taxes are pro-rated.

Question 3

Who do I report water main breaks to?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

The City of Columbus provides water service to all UA residents and businesses. If you experience flooding or suspect a water main break, call the City of Upper Arlington Public Works Division at 614-583-5385 during regular business hours. A member of staff will visit the site to determine the nature of the problem, and contact the City of Columbus on your behalf. If you have an after hours emergency, contact the City of Columbus at 614-645-7788.

Question 4

What causes orange or discolored water?

Accepted Answer

Discolored water is caused by the build up of iron and calcium deposits in the waterline. When water flow is interrupted by a line break or fire hydrant flushing, deposits can be stirred up, creating the colored water. It usually takes three-to-four hours for water to clear. Periodically turn on your cold water and let it run for several minutes. Keep doing this until the cold water is clear. Do not use hot water or wash clothes until the water is clear.

Question 5

How can I prevent water line freezes?

Accepted Answer

For homes built on slabs, the line will likely froze where the pipe enters the home. For homes with basements, the line into the home likely froze where it passes through concrete block into the home.

Insulate pipes where freezing is likely to occur. If this is not possible, periodically turn on your water and let it run for several seconds, purchase a space heater to place in front of the pipes or purchase a heating coil that can be plugged in and wrapped around the pipes to keep them warm.

Try using a hair dryer and blowing warm air down onto frozen sections or into the opening of the block wall where the water line enters the home.

Question 6

Why can't my annual stormwater fee be used to make drainage improvements on my property?

Accepted Answer

The stormwater fee is used to repair and maintain the City's existing stormwater system. It is not designed to make improvements on private property.

Question 7

I don't see a drainage problem on my property, so why should I be charged?

Webmaster · Accepted Answer

The benefits are not site specific. Run-off from your property combines with that from other lots, accumulating to become part of the problem downstream. Benefits are gained throughout the City by minimizing the flooding of roads, intersections, and downstream properties.

Question 8

Is my utility fee tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

No, it is a utility fee just like your water or electric bills, and is therefore not tax deductible.

Public Service Center

Public Works (3)

Who do I report water main breaks to?

How can I prevent water line freezes?

Why can’t my annual stormwater fee be used to make drainage improvements on my property?