To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.
How could I have used this much water?
You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read.
You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Just call the office and we'll work with you to solve the problem.
Sometimes it is easy to tell that your toilet is leaking - you hear the sound of running water or a faint hissing or trickling. But many times, water flows through the tank silently, which is why these leaks are often overlooked.
How to check for Leaky Toilets
- Remove the toilet tank lid.
- Drop one dye tablet or 10 drops of food coloring into the tank.
- Put the lid back on. Do not flush.
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Wait at least 10-15 minutes, and then look in the bowl. If you see colored water, you have a leak. If not, you don't.
What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?
Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.
Why is my water discolored?
A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the milky look.
What chemicals does our utility district add to the water?
Only chemicals that are approved by the National Safety Foundation for treatment of drinking water.
My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?
All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant must maintain a level of 0.5 mg/L by state law. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.
Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?
Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.
Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?
We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.
Why is there a pink film in my sink and bathtub?
A pink-colored film or ring frequently seen on shower curtains, tubs, toilets and pet bowls is typically caused by growth of the airborne bacteria Serratia Marcescens. This harmless nuisance organism reacts with standing water and frequently forms during spring and summer months. The bacteria cannot survive and is not present in the chlorinated drinking water supply. The best treatment for this film is to keep bathroom surfaces clean using chlorine bleach on a regular basis. A small amount of cholorine bleach (3-5 tablespoons) added to a normal sized toilet bowl will destroy the bacteria. Whenever a pink film starts to reappear, repeat the cleaning and disinfection process.
What does the WET tax on my statement mean?
Effective July 1, 2018, the Iowa legislature passed a new law, SF 512, which creates a Water Service Excise Tax (WET). The WET exempts the sale of water service from state sales tax, but imposes a 6% excise tax on the sale of water service. State sales tax goes to general fund; this WET tax goes to a dedicated fund to make water quality improvements. WET is 6% instead of 7%.
The WET tax has appeared on our statements since the effective date.
