Water in Dubuque Brochure Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 5.
ITEM TITLE: Water in Dubuque Brochure
SUMMARY: City Manager transmitting a public information brochure
from the Water Department regarding Dubuque's water
quality and quantity.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Water in Dubuque Supporting Documentation
0
VVAT E R
DUB UE �•
inDUBUQUE
WHERE DOES DUBUQUE
GET ITS WATER?
Some people mistakenly assume that Dubuque's
water comes from the Mississippi River. It does Jordan across Iowa
A cross-section of Iowa shows how the Jordan aquifer changes elevation as it runs
across the state.Rock formations help filter the water in the aquifer,which needs
not. Instead, our water comes from a series decades to recharge,say experts. 0 20 40 60 miles
SW Missouri Middle Des NE
of wells that pull water from underground River Racoon Moines Iowa cedar Mississippi
River River River River River
aq u ifef S. Our water is partially supplied by 11000ft. 1 1,000 ft.
the Jordan Aquifer (also known as the Cambrian- (local sandstone aquifers) Mississippianaquj{e' oeJOnaraQ�s{et
Sea levelSea level
Ordovician Aquifer) and we also draw from the evaporlte aquitard 5\,fW'3, .
pevonia . . aQo,ret \
Mt. Simon Aquifer and Alluvial Aquifer. Of the -I.°GOR _ _ Mt sm -1.000ft.
n I ne wel IS Dubuque currently uses for '
. `/ 1 / �
our city water supply, there are fou r deep -2,000 ft -2,000 ft.
weI IS (1,000 ft.-1800 ft.), two that draw from _3,000ft0 / '000ft.
the Jordan and two from the Mt. Simon Aquifer.
We also use five Shal low weI IS 200 ft. °°°ft. -4•000rt.
which draw from the Alluvial Aquifers. Source:Iowa Department of Natural Resources THE REGISTER
IS DUBUQUE FACING A WATER SHORTAGE?
No. Based on information from the United States Geological Survey and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), there
are no perceived threats and/or issues pertaining to the Jordan Aquifer's ability to meet the demand needs for the city of Dubuque.
There has been no change in levels of the Jordan Aquifer in the area of Dubuque's wells since 1977 and,
at current drawdown levels, Dubuque has an unlimited water supply.
City of Dubuque
Water Department
THE CITY OF
563.589.4291
i i i i i
_ DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
WHY WORRY DID YOU
ABOUT WATER?
KNOW ?
Dubuque's Eagle Point Water Plant
The issue of water quantity across the state, how much water Iowa has produces an aver, _ of
available, has received attention in recent months due to increases in GALLONS • treated water per • ,
y. The
industries that use water in their operations, like ethanol and livestock plant has the capacityto produce
production. The issue is also being discussed as Iowa's population continues up to 18 MILLION GALLONS per day. The
to shift from rural to urban areas,focusing demands for water. current wells have the capacity to
pump up to 23,750,000 GALLONS per day.
Most of Iowa pulls water from the Jordan Aquifer. Recent concerns on the
aquifer's ability to meet water supply demands prompted studies throughout Dubuque's water distribution system
the state. As a result,the Iowa Department of Natural Resources(IDNR)has consists of over 320 MILES OF WATER
placed restrictions on Linn County,Johnson County,and parts of Webster MAINS, over 8,000 CONTROL VALVES,
County for the additional withdrawal of water(via new wells)from the Jordan
almost 2,900 FIRE HYDRANTS, and
Aquifer. Some of the cities impacted by these restrictions are Cedar Rapids,
Iowa City, Fort Dodge,and Marion. Currently,there are no restrictions in over 23,500 SERVICE CONNECTIONS.
place for Dubuque's use of the Jordan Aquifer for its water needs and none
are anticipated because of where Dubuque accesses the aquifer.
i
ty
Quality AND Qtic[Titl
-
The Dubuque Water Department delivers high-quality water that complies A detailed evaluation of Dubuque's source water was completed by the
with all standards set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Iowa Department of Natural Resources,and is available on our website at
Over 200 tests a day are performed by water treatment plant operators. www.cityofdubuque.org/water. You may also call 563.589.4291 to request
a copy of the report.
In addition to these tests,over 60 bacteriological analyses of our drinking
water are conducted on a monthly basis. Other compliance-related testing The Eagle Point Treatment Plant on Hawthorne Street is a groundwater,
is performed by the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory and Keystone lime softening,water treatment plant.Starting with source water that is
Laboratories.All of these analytical measures ensure that the water virtuallyfree of sediment,the lime softening process reduces the total
reaching your home is safe to drink. hardness from about 280 mg/L to 100 mg/L.