Sewer lines program aims to replace aging infrastructure

Back before the 1960s, many new Columbia neighborhoods built private sewer lines. One private line could serve multiple homes or businesses before it was connected to the main public sewer line.

These private lines-known as private common collectors (PCCs)-typically have clay pipes. These have generally not been maintained by the property owners since installation.

Because of their age and material type, these PCCs are subject to blockage and failure, posing a significant risk to public health and water quality. They have been a long-running problem in Columbia's older neighborhoods.

The City does not maintain or repair private lines, but the City of Columbia Sewer Utility has a program dedicated to eliminating PCCs and replacing them with publicly owned sanitary sewers built to meet current standards and within dedicated sewer easements. This program helps to reduce backups into buildings, improve water quality and renew aging infrastructure.

The Private Common Collector Elimination program started in 2008 when voters approved the sewer bond issue, and the program received a boost with additional funds from another sewer bond in 2013.

Since 2008, the Sewer Utility has completed 24 projects, with nine more projects currently in the planning and design phase.

Funding for the design and construction of the sewer improvement comes from sewer bonds and sewer enterprise revenue. This means the City will not charge property owners for the PCC elimination. The City requires a resident who petitions to connect to the public sewer to donate easements for the Sewer Utility to do the work.

By replacing outdated, private sewers, the City can protect citizen health by reducing the occurrence of backups and overflows. Replacement also protects our environment by keeping sewage in the collection system.

Owners interested in eliminating their private common collector sewer can contact the City at 573.441.5530 or [email protected].