Sewer Utility
About the Sewer
The Sewer Utility is charged with the responsibility to protect the public health and to ensure minimal impact upon the aquatic environment by adequate collection and treatment of wastewater from properties within the City of Columbia corporate limits and areas outside the City that can be feasibly connected to the City’s system. This is achieved by engineering review of proposed and existing facilities and thorough effective and economical operation and maintenance of collection and treatment systems.
The Columbia Sewer Utility is divided into three divisions: Engineering, Sewer Collection System Maintenance, and the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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Engineering
Engineering is responsible for the design and construction of community-approved infrastructure projects in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). This includes survey, design, right-of-way acquisition, contracting and construction inspection.
In addition, the engineering division is responsible for implementing two residential cost reimbursement programs. These programs assist homeowners with expenses associated with repairing or removing defects or eliminating direct connections of improper inflow and infiltration sources from the sanitary sewer.
Engineering staff is also responsible for performing plan review and inspection of sewer infrastructure constructed as part of private development to ensure new construction meets current Federal, State and City requirements. Engineering staff also maintains the various sewer asset maps, design guidelines and specifications for use by consultants and developers.
Sewer Capital Improvement Projects go through a thorough Public Involvement Process and are prioritized as part of the City’s annual budget process. Projects are designed to the highest safety and performance standards possible while paying close attention to citizen input as well as environmental and economic concerns.
Capital improvement plan projects
Current Requests for public input
- No projects at this time
Additional resources
- Columbia Sewer Master Plan (Updated 11/30/2004)
- Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Wastewater & Stormwater
- Pump Station Design Requirements & Specifications
- Street, Storm Drain & Sewer Specifications
- Application For Construction Permit-Sewer Extension
Sewer collection system maintenance
The aggressive preventive maintenance program ensures that sewer mains remain in proper working order and prevent many problems before they occur. In addition, cleaning crews respond to stoppage complaints.
Cleaning crews
The Sewer Utility operates three sewer cleaning crews. Each crew is assigned to clean the sewers in a different cleaning area. Each crew cleans the sewers in one sub-area before moving on to the next sub-area. When the sewers in the last sub-area have been cleaned, the process starts over in the first sub-area.
It is important for sewer crews to have access to these cleanout locations which can sometimes be in a residential yard. Difficulty accessing these points can slow down the crew and reduce the efficiency of the cleaning cycles.
Cleaning sewer lines involves using a sewer jet to propel a cleaning nozzle that is attached to the end of a high-pressure sewer jet hose through all the main underground pipes. This clears the lines of debris such as grease and grit. If necessary, the lines are also cleared of roots by attaching a hydraulic root saw to the end of the sewer jet hose. This sewer cleaning process also causes air movement through the sewer. If your home’s ventilation pipes are clogged or are not large enough, this air movement through the sewer could force some water out of your toilet or drains. It is recommended that you keep your toilet lid down when the sewers are being cleaned.
Stoppage crews
The Sewer Utility provides 24/7 service in response to reports of sewer backups and overflows. Upon being notified of a problem, a two-person crew with a hydraulic sewer jet cleaner is dispatched to the location. Generally, the crew will contact the complainant to determine the nature and extent of the problem. The crew then inspects and cleans any sewer 6 inches in diameter or larger which could remedy the issue. Any obstruction determined to be in a public sewer is followed up with an internal TV inspection of the sewer line. In most cases, after a complete review of the incident, the location and the cause of the obstruction can be determined. If the problem is in the customer’s private line, they will be advised to contact a plumber or sewer service company.
Closed circuit television inspection
The Sewer Utility uses a state-of-the-art closed-circuit television system to internally inspect sewer mains and service line connections. This system consists of a color camera with a pan and tilt head which can turn 90 degrees in any direction and is self-propelled through sewer lines transmitting a picture to a monitor and video recorder located inside a van. Using this system, problems can be located and identified quickly, without excavation, so that proper corrective actions can be taken.
Repair crews
The repair crew is responsible for repairs to sewer structures and sewer mains. Excavations have been up to 22 feet deep. This crew repairs sewer mains that have been determined to be in poor condition by TV inspection that was done following a stoppage or because of a problem suspected during routine cleaning.
Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is responsible for adequate treatment of wastewater and wastewater biosolids (sludge) by complying with Federal and State standards imposed for effluent discharged to the environment.
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The Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant operates on a 24-hour per day basis year round and is divided into sections: Operations, Sewer Sludge and Grounds Maintenance, Maintenance, and the Laboratory.
- Operations is responsible for adequate treatment of wastewater and wastewater biosolids (sludge) and is responsible for the operation of the constructed wetlands and the effluent pumping station located adjacent to the MDC Eagle Bluffs Wildlife Area and the wastewater treatment and spray irrigation system at the Columbia Regional Airport.
- Sewer Sludge & Grounds Maintenance A Sludge Management Program is responsible for the disposal of anaerobically digested biosolids by land application, and for annual reporting to MDNR, as well as grounds maintenance at the WWTP and field facilities.
- Maintenance performs breakdown and preventive maintenance on plant equipment and all field facilities, makes modifications and new installations as needed, and is responsible for care of buildings. It also provides routine operation of more than 25 wastewater pumping stations in the Columbia area.
- Laboratory performs process control testing, MDNR monitoring and compliance reporting for the WWTP and field sampling for the Sludge Management and Pretreatment Programs.
Additional resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my home or property connected to the City’s sanitary sewers?
If you feel there is a question of whether your home or business is connected to the sewer system, please call the Contact Center at 573.874.2489.
I need to know where the City’s sanitary sewers are.
If you need to know where the sanitary sewers are because excavation work is being planned call 1-800-344-7483 (DIG-RITE). If you need to know the location of sanitary sewers for any other reason call the Contact Center at 573.874.2489.
Who do I call if I have a sewer backup?
During business hours, call the City of Columbia Contact Center at 573.874.2489. For after hour emergencies, call 573.441.5530. If an Operator is not inside the building, a telephone recorder will record any messages and it is checked every 30 minutes. The Operator will return your call and then dispatch the Sewer Maintenance personnel.
Is there a charge if I call the Sewer Utility about a sewer backup and it is determined that there is not a problem with the public sewer?
There is no charge whether there is a problem found with the public sewer or not.
Who do I call about odor problems?
If the odor is outside your home, contact the Contact Center at 573.874.2489 and a Sewer Maintenance crew will be dispatched to determine the source of odor. If the odor is inside your house, contact the Building and Site Development Division at 573.874.7474. A frequent cause for inside odors is a dry trap. Pouring a quart of water into all sinks, showers/tubs and floor drains may correct this problem. If it is felt that the odor may be of an explosive nature, the Fire Department should be called immediately at 9-1-1.
My stool just blew up! What happened?
Water being splashed out of the toilet may occur when maintenance or cleaning crews are working in your area. The sewer cleaning process causes air movement through the sewer. If your home’s ventilation pipes are clogged or are not large enough, this air movement through the sewer could force some water out of your toilet or drains. It is recommended that you keep your toilet lid down when the sewers are being cleaned. Call the Contact Center at 573.874.2489 to determine if your problem occurred when the sewer main was being cleaned.
Why are there flags in my yard?
It is generally because there is excavation work being planned in the area and the person, company or utility planning the work has requested “locates.” The flags mark the location of buried utility lines. Before the Sewer Utility would do any major excavation work (backhoe type work) on your property, you would be contacted unless an emergency situation exists.
Why did you put that manhole in my yard?
When manholes are built, the tops of the manholes are left accessible. Later when homes and businesses are built, manholes are occasionally buried in yards and driveways. The Sewer Maintenance Cleaning Crew usually uncovers these “lost” manholes when they clean the sewers. The buried manholes are then turned over to the Repair Crew which adjust the manholes to grade so they are accessible again. As long as the manholes can be adjusted using the 16 inches of allowable adjustment between the concrete manhole cone and metal frame, there is no charge for this work. If the manhole cone has to be removed (backhoe work) to properly adjust the manhole the cost is usually charged to the owner of the property where the manhole was buried. If you have any question about raising, or lowering, a manhole call the Contact Center at 573.874.2489.
What can I dump down the sewers or my drains?
Not much! For specific inquiries, call the Contact Center at 573.874.2489.
Contacts
Search:
Phone: 573.499.4653
Public Health & Human Services
Phone: 573.817.6441
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7781
Fax: 573.874.7756
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Title: Mayor
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.874.7222
Email: Mayor@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 1 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.4978
Email: Ward1@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 2 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2024
Phone: 573.823.2274
Email: Ward2@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 3 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.864.4976
Email: Ward3@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 4 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.999.0897
Email: Ward4@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 5 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.4972
Email: Ward5@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 6 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2024
Phone: 573.864.4971
Email: Ward6@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Address:
600 Big Bear Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
2300 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO
Address:
100 N Old 63
Address:
N William St
Columbia, MO
Address:
1905 Hillcrest Dr.
Parks and Recreation Department General Office (aka Gentry Building)
Phone: 573.874.7460
Fax: 573.874.7640
Email: ParksAndRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.817.5024
Fax: 573.442.8828
Email: HumanRights@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Address:
2900 East Nifong Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201
Title: Constituent Services and Legislative Affairs Administrator
Phone: 573.874.7646
Email: Stacey.Weidemann@CoMo.gov
Address:
902 Range Line St.
Phone: 573.817.5015
Address:
5001 E Meyer Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
Address:
1201 Paquin St.
Phone: 573.874.7378
Fax: 573.874.7761
Email: Business.license@CoMo.Gov
Address:
PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Address:
2002 Grindstone Pkwy.
Stephens Lake Beach (Unguarded) and Spraygrounds
Address:
100 Old 63 N.
Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center
Address:
1204 International Drive,
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.449.1888
Phone: 573.874.2489
Alternate Phone: 573.441.5574
Email: Info@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Parks and Recreation
Phone: 573.874.7460
Email: ParksandRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Assistant City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Carol.Rhodes@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Phone: 573.817.5024
Email: DisabilityServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Law Department
ADA Coordinator
701 East Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: IT Director
Phone: 573.874.7500
Email: Cityit1@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Address:
1900 Blue Ridge Road
Phone: 573.875.8477
Phone: 573.874.6338
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri 65205
Prevention, Disease Intervention & Case Management
Phone: 573.874.7408
Alternate Phone: 833.402.1458
Email: SexualHealth@CoMo.gov
Title: Assistant Chief, Investigative Operations Support
Email: Lance.Bolinger@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7491
Phone: 573.874.7391
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7450
Fax: 573.874.7446
Email: Fire@CoMo.gov
Address:
201 Orr St
Columbia, MO 65201
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
1313 Lakeview
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.7223
Fax: 573.442.8828
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.7230
Fax: 573.874.7531
Email: MunicipalCourt@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65203
Office of Neighborhood Services
Phone: 573.817.5050
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7339
Email: Neighborhood@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Title: Senior Administrative Supervisor (Administration)
Phone: 573.874.7347
Email: Dana.Vaughn@CoMo.gov
Capen Park Yard Waste Drop-off Center
Phone: 573.874.2489
Address:
1600 Capen Park Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.2489
Address:
400 N Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.441.5525
Phone: 573.874.7380
Email: UCS@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Utility Customer Service, PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Phone: 573.874.7499
Fax: 573.874.7546
Email: Volunteer@CoMo.gov
Address:
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Railroad Operations
Phone: 573.441.5564
Alternate Phone: 573.864.2171
Email: Matthew.Sabath@CoMo.gov
Title: City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Address:
400 N. Providence Rd.
Phone: 573.874.7229
Fax: 573.874.7533
Email: CityProsecutor@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205-6015
Title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Administrator, LGBTQ+ Liaison
Phone: 573.289.5975
Email: D'andre.thompson@CoMo.gov
Gans Creek Cross Country Course
Address:
3350 E. Gans Road
Title: Entrepreneurship Coordinator
Phone: 573.441.5546
Alternate Phone: 573.268.5596
Email: Jay.Sparks@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Convention & Visitors Bureau – Special Events
Phone: 573.817.5052
Email: Specialevents@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.874.7376
Phone: 573.874.7491
Address:
1615 Business Loop 70 W
Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
3350 Waco Rd
Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden
800 W. Stadium Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65203
Address:
Grissum Building, 1313 Lakeview Ave.
Address:
2104 Hillcrest Drive
Press Releases
3/18/2024 – City of Columbia Utilities to resume utility disconnects
2/26/2024 – City of Columbia Water & Light earns Water Fluoridation Quality Award
2/23/2024 – City of Columbia to resume residential curbside recycling collection March 18
2/23/2024 – Road closure scheduled on Garth Avenue beginning Feb. 26
2/19/2024 – Road closure scheduled on Poplar Street beginning Feb. 20