FY2022

WASTEWATER DIVISION OPERATIONS

The Iowa City Wastewater Division exists in order to economically ensure the public health and safety of the citizens of Iowa City and locally protect the Iowa River as a water resource for the people of Iowa. The Division will achieve the mission by providing proper care, operation, and maintenance of City wastewater and storm water collection systems, treatment plant, and the local environment. Wastewater Treatment processes an average of 8.7 million gallons of wastewater per day. Staff members measure and report 120 different tests per month to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for both influent waste and treated effluent. Other major work elements for this division include sewer main repairs, preventative maintenance, and 24/7 response to emergency sewer calls. Staffing is seven days a week for operations staff. Administrative, lab, maintenance and collections staff are on-site five days a week. The division’s budget is organized into four activities: Wastewater Administration Wastewater Administration administers Wastewater Division policies, procedures, budget and manages Wastewater division personnel. Wastewater Administration coordinates Wastewater Division activities with other City departments and divisions. Administration oversees the wastewater treatment plant, collections, and lift stations. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations The Wastewater Division operates and maintains one treatment plant. The plant, located at 4366 Napoleon St. SE, was expanded in 2010 to accommodate more stringent water quality standards, future growth in residential and industrial customers and closure of the North Plant. The site of the North Plant that was in service for 79 years, has been decommissioned and restored to a recreation area. Lift Stations The Wastewater Division operates and maintains 17 wastewater lift stations and 5 storm water stations throughout the city. The wastewater lift stations work in conjunction with the wastewater collection system. Wastewater lift stations are facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation, particularly where the elevation of the source is not sufficient for gravity flow and/or when the use of gravity conveyance will result in excessive excavation depths and high sewer construction costs. The storm water lift stations are facilities designed to move storm water from flood protection areas to receiving streams thereby reducing the threat of flood damage to private and public property.

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