Water Service
The Alton Water Department provides quality water to 640 customers from local aquifers which is treated to exceed all federal and state standards. The Alton water utility shares staff with the wastewater utility and consists of two certified operators.
Responsibilities
- The Water Department is responsible for operating the collection, treatment and distribution facilities that provide water to the community. Specific duties include:
- 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
Alton purchases wholesale treated water from Orange City. The Orange City water utility draws water from several local aquifers, treats the water, and delivers it to Alton residents and businesses. The wellfields are located at Dunlop Pond, along the Floyd River, and southwest of city limits and consist of twelve wells that supply water. The water treatment plant removes iron and manganese, injects fluoride for dental health, and adds chlorine to ensure safe drinking water. The water treatment plant capacity can treat and deliver 3.0 million gallons per day (MGD); the average daily usage of the community of Alton is 100, 000 gallons. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires the city to have strict processes and testing procedures in place to ensure that water is consistently safe for human use and consumption.
Emergency Contact
In case of a water emergency, contact the Alton City Office at (712) 756-4314 (weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm) (712) 756-5500 (Emergency/Afterhours)
FAQs
What part of the water distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing? The Water Department maintains and repairs all water mains located in the street rights of way and water easements; this includes the curb stop (water shutoff) located on the property. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the water curb stop. This includes the service pipe running from the curb stop to the house and the water meter valve located in the house. The water meter is maintained by the utility.
What is the white film on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays? 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?
Hardness in 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 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. twenty-five grains per gallon.
You may also view a drawing of your water service.
Quick Links
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Alton Water Quality Report (PDF)
Wastewater and Stormwater Service
Responsibilities
- The Wastewater Department is responsible for operating and maintaining wastewater collection and treatment. Specific duties include:
- Maintaining and repairing deteriorated mains.
- Operating the wastewater treatment lagoons.
- Monitoring and testing wastewater entering and exiting the wastewater lagoons.
- Performing routine cleaning and jetting of sewer mains
- Performing routine inspections on manholes, lift stations and sewer mains.
- Preparing monthly reports as required by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency
- Providing customer support for wastewater-related concerns and questions
Collection Systems
The sanitary sewer system collects waste produced by each residential, commercial, and industrial customer. This waste flows through the collection system enters the Division Street lift station and is pumped to the wastewater lagoons south of Alton, where it undergoes processes of treatment to remove materials that are harmful to the environment. After the treatment process, the treated waste flows into the Floyd River.
Emergency Contact
In case of a wastewater emergency, contact the Alton City Office at (712) 756-4314 (weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm) (712) 756-5500 (Emergency/Afterhours)
FAQs
What do I do if one of my floor drains, toilets, or showers backs up?
If water backs up in a basement floor drain when the washer runs or someone is using the shower or bathroom facilities, the problem is most likely within the home’s private service line, and you should call a drain cleaning company.
What part of the sewer system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?
The Wastewater Department maintains and repairs all sewer mains and manholes located in the street rights of way and easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the sewer main.
Can I discharge my sump pump into the sanitary sewer system?
Sump pumps shall not be connected into the sanitary sewer pipes or drains. The extra flow that sump pumps add to the sanitary sewer system causes the collection system to overflow. Sump pump lines should be discharged onto your property or into the gutter line at the street.
You may also view a drawing of your sewer service.
Stormwater
Responsibilities
- The Stormwater Department is responsible for operating and maintaining stormwater collection and treatment. Specific duties include:
- Maintaining and repairing deteriorated storm sewer intakes and mains.
- Performing cleaning of stormwater intakes.
- Performing routine inspections on manholes and stormwater mains.
- Providing customer support for stormwater-related concerns and questions.
- Street sweeping to remove materials that could enter the stormwater system.
Emergency Contact
In case of a stormwater emergency, contact the Alton City Office at (712) 756-4314 (weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm) (712) 756-5500 (Emergency/Afterhours)
FAQs
What do I do if I see a storm intake that is not draining? Contact the City Office at (712) 756-4314 (weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm) (712) 756-5500 (Emergency/Afterhours)
Can I discharge grass clippings or other materials into the street? Refrain from blowing grass clippings and raking leaves into the streets. These materials can clog storm intakes and mains and cause localized flooding.