Utilities

In 2004, the City of Columbus installed Public Water and Sewer systems in the Freeway District (a overarching district including the Community Commercial, General Business, General Commercial, High Density Residential Mixed-Use, Highway Commercial, Horse Racing, Light Industrial and Medium Density Residential Mixed-Use Districts). As of February 2024, a total of 68 water and sewer connections are in-service.

Billing occurs on a quarterly basis for all customers. Residential and commercial entities are charged differently for these services. Please review rates below:

Residential & Commercial

Minnesota Department of Health Connection Fee (Safe Drinking Water Fee) $2.43 per connection
Water Meter Purchase Actual Cost Plus Sales Tax 
Water Meter Fee $0.89 per meter
Water Meter Rental $1,500 deposit plus $25 flat fee Plus Water Usage Fee
Utility Billing Penalty Fee of Unpaid Balance 5 percent  

Residential

Sewer Connection Permit $180  
Sewer Usage Fee $7.31 per 1,000 gallons ($90.13 minimum)
Sewer Usage Fee - No Water $180.26  
Water Connection Permit $180  
Water Usage Fee $6.11 per 1,000 gallons ($75.34 minimum)
Water Usage Fee - No Sewer $150.67  

Commercial

Sewer Connection Permit $230  
Sewer Usage Fee $7.31 per 1,000 gallons ($180.26 minimum)
Water Connection Permit - Potable $230  
Water Connection Permit - Non-Potable $230   
Water Usage Fee $6.11 per 1,000 gallons ($150.67 minimum) 

Columbus properties in the Commercial/Industrial, Light Commercial/Industrial, Low Density Residential Mixed-Use and Rural Residential Districts are not serviced by Public Utilities. Instead, these parcels receive water via private wells and wastewater is held in SSTS.