FY2024 Proposed Budget

Wastewater 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. The Wastewater Division operates and maintains the City’s Grade IV Biologic Nutrient Removal Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated Collection system that processes an average of 7.4 million gallons of wastewater per day. State of Iowa licensed 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 six activities: Wastewater Fund Activities:  Wastewater Administration administers Wastewater Division policies, procedures, budget and manages Wastewater division personnel. Wastewater Administration coordinates Wastewater Division activities with other City departments, and oversees the wastewater treatment plant, collections and lift stations.  Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations 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, the Riverfront Crossings Park.  Wastewater Lift Stations operates and maintains 16 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.  Wastewater Collection Systems maintains 320 miles of sanitary sewers and 110 miles of dedicated storm sewers. The wastewater collection system works in conjunction with the wastewater lift stations. The storm water collection system works in conjunction with the storm water lift stations and point of discharge to receiving streams.

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