Columbia Private water mains ordinance (§ 27-79)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: The city water department supplies private water mains that are in good condition and not a health hazard, but private mains can't sit in city rights-of-way or easements (except at the connection point or if already in use before dedication) and must be installed with the director's approval and inspection. Owners maintain them and pay the actual cost of reconnecting to city mains, which section (e) words as labor, equipment and material plus overhead "by not more than the standard water service charge.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Private water mains shall be supplied with water by the department so long as the mains are in good condition and do not provide a health hazard.
(b) Private water mains shall not be permitted to occupy city rights-of-way or easements, except at the point of connection to the distribution system, unless such mains were in operative use in the distribution of water prior to the dedication and acceptance of such right-of-way or easement.
(c) Proposed private water mains shall be installed only under the approval, direction and inspection of the director.
(d) Private water mains shall be and remain the property of the individual, corporation or association claiming ownership; the department shall have no responsibility for their maintenance.
(e) The department shall not bear the expense of reconnecting customers from private mains to the city mains; in all circumstances, the actual cost of labor, equipment and material, plus overhead, by not more than the standard water service charge, shall be charged the customer.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-79
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.