It is required in Columbus City Code that the owner be responsible for the unpaid bill.
The Columbus Department of Public Utilities does not collect deposits for water and sewer bills; however, landlords do usually collect deposits. Landlords can, and should, check to make sure past due utility charges are paid before refunding a tenant's deposit. The number to call is 614-645-8276, Monday - Friday, 7AM to 6PM.
If the delinquencies were transferred to tenants, it is likely that delinquencies would increase, potentially resulting in higher rates, which could also have an effect on the city's credit rating used for low-interest capital improvement loans.