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.

For public utilities, setting fair and equitable rates is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. Traditionally, cost-of-service studies have relied on historical assumptions, monthly meter reads, and estimations based on small subsamples of customer usage data. However, with the innovation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), utilities now have access to an unprecedented level of granular data—hourly usage for every customer.

For public utilities, setting fair and equitable rates is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. Traditionally, cost-of-service studies have relied on historical assumptions, monthly meter reads, and estimations based on small subsamples of customer usage data. However, with the innovation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), utilities now have access to an unprecedented level of granular data—hourly usage for every customer.

Mayor Andre Dickens appointed James 'Gregory' Eyerly as Atlanta's Water Commissioner, highlighting his proven expertise in managing large-scale water systems. Read more

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), which represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide, said it supports the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that will strike down “vague” language in Clean Water Act permits.

Decision represents a "major victory" for clean water investment

The U.S. Supreme Court sided with San Francisco on Tuesday in a ruling that narrows the Clean Water Act. The case pitted a city that champions environmental policies against the federal agency tasked with protecting the environment.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday narrowed EPA's ability to regulate how cities and industrial facilities discharge wastewater, the conservative justices' latest ruling shrinking the agency's power to police pollution.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is pleased to provide you with the January/February 2025 Regulatory Update.