The Division of Sewage & Drainage

Rob Priestas, P.E., Administrator, Division of Sewerage & Drainage

Services include:

• Wastewater collection and treatment for the City of Columbus and contracting communities through two wastewater treatment plants (Jackson Pike and Southerly)
• Maintenance of the storm, sanitary and combined sewer collection systems, treatment plants and other related infrastructure
• A capital improvement program to upgrade infrastructure and solve neighborhood flooding issues
• Stormwater management, industrial pre-treatment and regulatory compliance programs to protect surface water quality
• Operational support for informational technology such as computer, GIS/mapping systems and damage prevention (utility line location)
• DOSD also operates a Compost Facility, where the popular Com-Til product is available for purchase

Wastewater Treatment
The Division of Sewerage and Drainage operates two wastewater treatment plants, Jackson Pike and Southerly. Wastewater from Columbus and 25 contracting suburban communities flows to one of these two plants.

Understanding Our Sewer System
There are three types of sewers:

• Combined sewers carry both sewage and rain water to wastewater treatment plants
• Separate sanitary sewers carry sewage from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants
• Storm sewers convey rain water from streets, rooftops and parking lots to nearby streams

An Old Problem
Our sanitary sewer system works well most of the time, but rain water and snow melt can seep into the system and overload it. When this occurs, the amount of water entering the sanitary sewer system exceeds the system's capacity to hold it.

A New Approach
Columbus has developed a new approach to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. Instead of simply storing excess water that seeps into the sanitary sewer system when rain falls and snow melts, Blueprint Columbus addresses the source of the problem. View the Report Blueprint was approved by Ohio EPA 12/1/15.

Blueprint Columbus
Blueprint Columbus takes all of the regulatory challenges of complying with the Clean Water Act into consideration and uses green infrastructure to meet these challenges and efficiently achieve water quality goals.

Get Your Garden in Full Bloom with Com-Til
Com-Til products are organic fertilizers and soil conditioners used for mulching, gardening, potting, transplanting and breaking up tough, clay soil. Add valuable organic matter & nutrients to give your greens a boost or use as a decorative mulch to retain moisture. It is one of the best-kept secrets for improving soil health, growing a greener lawn and getting your garden in full bloom.

Keep It Clean
Prevent water pollution through everyday living with simple tips to keep our water clean. Simple steps you can take at home such as: disposal of household hazardous 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.

Historical Milestones for Wastewater Treatment in Columbus
In 1841 the first sewer in Columbus is constructed. With no form of wastewater treatment, it was discharged directly into the Scioto River. Discover over a century of historical milestones in local wastewater treatment.