Member Spotlight

In 2015, the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU) took a major step forward in solving a long-standing problem: sanitary sewer overflows. Under a Consent Order from the Ohio EPA, the city needed to find a solution to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and stop sewage from spilling into basements, rivers, and streams during heavy rain or snowmelt. Instead of relying on traditional and expensive infrastructure fixes, Columbus launched Blueprint Columbus – a bold, innovative program that tackles the issue at its source.

SSOs often start in unexpected places – right on private property. Rainwater and melting snow can seep into the sanitary sewer system and when too much water enters the system too quickly, it overwhelms the network, causing sewage to back up into homes or overflow into the environment. Blueprint Columbus changes the game by preventing that extra water from entering the system in the first place.

Rather than building more infrastructure, the city chose a smarter strategy: fix what's already there and use nature-based solutions to better manage stormwater. By upgrading existing sewer lines, redirecting rooftop runoff, installing sump pumps where needed, and adding green spaces that naturally absorb rainwater, the program improves both sewer capacity and environmental resilience.

The scale and impact of this project are impressive, spanning over 18,000 acres and benefiting more than 50,000 homes across 21 neighborhoods. Since its launch, the program has helped reduce sewer overflows by up to 99% during heavy rains. Every year, it keeps more than 3.7 million gallons of sewage out of local rivers and streams, and it has cut pollution from stormwater runoff by as much as 20%.

Blueprint Columbus is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a forward-thinking investment in public health, clean water, and the long-term sustainability of Columbus communities. Its success has made it a model for cities across the country looking for smarter, greener solutions to aging sewer systems.

NACWA awarded the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations & Environmental Performance category for its successful project. Congratulations to everyone involved!