Twice this spring, central Ohio has experienced flood events with excess rain in a 24 hour period. When this occurs, central Ohio’s waterways have surged above their banks and there is nowhere for storm systems to drain to. Additionally, sanitary systems become overwhelmed by water from illegal drain and gutter hookups. Bexley’s sanitary system is tied into Columbus’, and when Bexley systems back up it is due to backups down the line. We are tracking basement flooding events in order to provide better service to you and analyze priority areas for any system improvements. Please fill out the basement flood form if you have experienced flooding in your basement.
EDIT May 20: If you have damaged goods or materials, you can set them where you normally would for trash pick up, and they will be collected on Tuesday, May 26th. There will be no trash pickup on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.
Flooding Q&A
1. Why is this flooding happening?
There are two primary reasons that we have experienced two floods since March 20th. The first is due to our storm sewer system, which feeds into Alum Creek. The creek has reached a dangerously high level, therefore blocking any outflow drainage that could occur. The second issue we have is with the sanitary sewer system. We are connected to Columbus’s sewer system on all sides of Bexley, and the water that’s flooding the entire central Ohio region is draining into that same system. This water has no where to go.
2. What is the City doing about this long-term?
The City of Bexley is in the middle of a multi-million dollar sewer system upgrade project that has been going on for over a decade. This has included increases in storm sewer capacity, and relining and upgrading sanitary systems. Upgrades to our own system are still not able to handle the surge that has occurred in these two major flooding events, due to backups occurring in the Columbus system that we are connected to and serviced by. Bexley’s Administration is bringing a proposal to City Council to help fund sanitary sewer backflow prevention devices for properties that have experienced multiple flooding events.
3. What can I do?
If your basement has already flooded, clear the area of any items touching the basement floor. As water levels in the sewer system drain, the water in your basement will drain with it. If your basement has not flooded, but is prone to flooding, we recommend clearing that area ASAP. If you have experienced flooding in your basement, please fill out our Flood Report Form.
4. Can I use water?
It’s best if you avoid flushing toilets, running the dishwasher, or taking a shower for the time being. All of that water will drain into the same system that is already flooded. However, the water is safe to drink.
