Water
The Sioux Center Water Department provides quality water to 2,536 customers drawn from local aquifers and treated to exceed all federal and state standards.
Responsibilities
The Water Department is responsible for operating the collection, treatment and distribution facilities that provide water to the community. Specific duties include:
- Cleaning, disinfecting and repairing the 16 wells that provide raw water
- Operating the water treatment plant
- Overseeing installation of water infrastructure in new subdivisions
- Performing routine maintenance and repairing valves and hydrants on the distribution system
- Preparing monthly reports as required by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency
- Providing customer support for water-related concerns and questions
Process
Sioux Center has two primary sources for its water - a shallow alluvial aquifer and a buried channel aquifer. Wells located in each of the aquifers pump raw water to the treatment plant, where iron and manganese are removed and chloramine disinfection occurs. Sioux Center Municipal Utilities switched to chloramine disinfection in 2022. More information on chloramine disinfection.
The water treatment plant is capable of treating 1,600 gallons per minute. The water utility serves 2,536 customers.
Operating Statistics
- Average daily water usage - 1,000,000 gallons
- Average residential water bill - $32
- Peak daily water usage - 1,760,000 gallons
- What part of the water distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?
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The Water Department maintains and repairs all water mains located in the street rights of way and water easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the water main. This includes the curb stop (water shutoff) located on the property, the service pipe running from the main to the house and the water meter valve located in the house. The water meter is maintained by the utility.
You may also view a drawing of your water service. - What is the white film on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?
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The white film is the calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object with vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the film that has built up on glassware.
- What is "hard" water?
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Hardness is drinking water is mainly the result of the presence of two minerals; calcium and magnesium. If either of these minerals are present in your water in large amounts, the water is said to be "hard" because making a lather or suds for washing is difficult (hard) to do. Water containing little calcium or magnesium is referred to as "soft" water. Our water is approx. 25 grains per gallon.