Columbus Public Water System

Water is nature's original hydration solution – containing zero fat, no added sugars, and no cholesterol. It serves vital functions in your body by hydrating skin cells, regulating body temperature, facilitating nutrient absorption, and eliminating waste products. These benefits explain why choosing water over sugary beverages is beneficial for your health.

Excessive consumption of sodas, juices and sweetened drinks has been linked to obesity, which increases risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. What can you do to improve your water consumption?

• Be a role model by drinking water in front of children
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere
• Serve water with meals and snacks
• When children say they're thirsty, offer water before other beverages

Make water more appealing by:

• Adding sliced citrus fruits or berries for natural flavor
• Freezing fresh berries or citrus wedges in ice cubes
• Infusing with fresh mint or basil for refreshing taste
• Letting children personalize their own water cups

For additional information, visit Columbus Public Health online at: www.columbus.gov/Water-First-for-Thirst/.

The Division of Water ensures that contaminants in your municipal water remain below levels at which no known health risks exist. This report details the types and concentrations of key elements in your water supply, their potential sources, and the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) considered safe by EPA standards.

The water delivered to Columbus homes meets ALL requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). We employ a sophisticated multi-barrier treatment process to ensure safe water reaches our customers. Public notifications will be issued immediately if standards are not met.

Please share this information with others who consume this water, especially those who may not receive this report directly (residents of apartments, nursing facilities, schools, and businesses). Additional copies are available by calling customer service at 614-645-8276, emailing utilityleadrep@columbus.gov, or viewing online at www.columbus.gov/CCR/.

Columbus Water System - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What materials do you offer in your library?
   We provide books, audio books (both CD and Playaway formats), DVDs, magazines, and music CDs.
2. How long can I keep borrowed materials?
   Three-week loans: Adult section books, books on CD, music CDs, DVDs, and magazines
   One-week loans: New adult DVDs, juvenile holiday books, and juvenile holiday DVDs
   Juvenile magazines are for in-library use only.
3. Is there a limit on how many items I can borrow?
   First-time borrowers are limited to three books and one DVD. After that, there's no limit on books, audiobooks, or CDs—borrow as many as you can responsibly manage. However, you may have a maximum of five DVDs checked out at any time.
4. Are there late fees for overdue materials?
   Items not returned by the due date incur a $0.10 extended use fee per day. DVDs have a higher fee of $0.50 per day per item. These extended use fees have been approved by our Mayor and City Council.
5. Can I still use my card if I have outstanding fines?
   If your fines total less than $5, you may continue to check out materials. Computer access privileges remain unaffected by fines.
6. Can I return materials after hours?
   Yes, a convenient 24-hour drive-up return slot is located at the front of the building.
7. What happens if I lose or damage library materials?
   For lost items, you'll be charged the full replacement cost plus a $3 processing fee. If you find and return a previously paid-for item within six months, you can receive a refund minus the $3 processing fee. For damaged items, charges may vary based on severity—from partial fees to full replacement costs.
8. Do you offer interlibrary loan services?
   Yes, patrons may request titles not in our collection through interlibrary loan. Each cardholder is allowed five requests per month. This service is free unless the requested item isn't picked up, which results in a $2 fee. Items must be collected within seven business days of notification.
9. Are copy and fax services available?
   Yes. Faxing is provided through Fax24 (credit card payment only) at $1.75 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. International faxes cost $3.95 for the first page and $3.45 for additional pages. Please note that the library cannot receive incoming faxes.
10. What types of programs do you offer?
    We host storytimes, book clubs, teen events, and many other activities. Please check our Events Calendar for complete information.