The Water Division is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the City's water infrastructure, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of potable water. Key responsibilities include:
- Water Distribution System: Maintaining and repairing approximately 31 miles of water distribution mains, 1,800 service lines, and associated components like valves, water service lines, B-boxes (access points for shutoff valves), and fire hydrants.
- Water Pumping and Treatment: Operating three water-pumping wells and the iron removal treatment plant, which treats an average of 0.55 million gallons of water per day (200 million gallons per year). The water is treated with chlorine and fluoride to meet health standards and is treated with polyphosphate to prevent iron buildup in the system.
- Storage and Pressure Management: Ensuring consistent water pressure through two elevated storage tanks with a combined capacity of 550,000 gallons, which help manage pressure across the system.
- Water Sampling and Testing: Performing regular sampling and testing of water quality throughout the distribution system and at waterworks facilities to ensure compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Public Health Department standards.
- Fire Hydrant and Valve Maintenance: Maintaining all fire hydrants and isolation valves in the system. Hydrant flushing is conducted to remove sediment from water mains, improving water quality. Valve exercising ensures valves are in working condition for emergency isolation and maintenance.
- Meter Reading and Maintenance: Conducting Citywide meter reading and maintaining over 2,000 water meters. The City also has a meter replacement program to ensure accurate billing by replacing older meters.
Preventive maintenance is performed regularly to reduce repair costs and ensure the efficient operation of the water treatment and distribution infrastructure, ensuring safe and reliable water service to residents.