Public Utilities FAQs

Who should I contact if I experience problems with my water?

Questions concerning your water can be directed to 513-867-5375 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For emergencies after business hours, the Water Division may be reached at 513-858-7775.

Water and sewer charges are based on the amount of water consumed each month. The sewer rate is a flat rate of $2.73 per 1,000 gallons of water used. The water rate is based on a combination of a minimum charge (which is accessed according to meter size) plus a charge for additional water used. See a more detailed explanation.

To find out if a specific home or business is connected to the City of Fairfield's sewer system, please call 513-858-7760. This service is free to anyone who calls.

Call 513-858-7760 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. During normal business hours, your questions will be answered by a collection system employee. After 3:30 p.m. and until 11 p.m., the plant operator will take your call and contact an employee immediately to respond. During heavy rain events, calls will be responded to in the order they are received.

You may contact the wastewater plant at 513-858-7760 to ask questions about odors. A collection system employee will answer your questions and, if needed, send a crew to your home.

The employee will also be able to tell you if the collection system is cleaning lines in your area that may cause a temporary odor. Most odor problems are caused by a dry trap, adding water to all your traps usually eliminates the odor.

The City's Public Works Department at 513-867-4200 maintains storm sewers. Storm sewers are identified as the large grates in streets and near curbs.

The City adds chemicals to the water for many reasons, first to help soften the water, and second, to provide a safe and helpful water. Third, the chemicals help protect the homeowner and mains.

Lime and soda ash are added to help soften the water. Chlorine is added for destruction of harmful bacteria in the water. Fluoride is required by the state to promote sound teeth with high resistance to decay. Fluoridation is only a supplement to the natural fluoride already found in the water. Phosphate is added to help keep minerals in suspension, so they won't drop out and cause deposit on the mains and in your pipes at home.

The choice to buy a home softener is a personal choice. The water plant produces a balanced water that is moderately hard.

The water is balanced to promote neither depositing on the pipes nor corrosiveness to piping. The benefit of a home softener is an appreciable savings in the consumption of soap and cleaning action. The disadvantage is zero hardness is corrosive. The homeowner should monitor and blend the water to protect piping. The water plant neither promotes nor discourages the use of home water softeners.

To report a leaking or otherwise defective fire hydrant, contact the City of Fairfield Public Utilities Water Division at 513-858-7775.