Water Treatment Plant

About the Plant

The Charles City Water Treatment Plant pumps an average of 2,500,000 gallons per day.  The new water treatment plant was finished in 2010 and has a maximum operating capacity of 5,000,000 gallons per day.   The water is softened with lime, with an average hardness of 116 mg/L (6.78 grains). This water is pumped from the Cedar Valley Aquifer using three active wells.

The plant is in operation twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.  Water quality testing is done daily, including weekends and holidays. The plant and distribution system are monitored and maintained by four state licensed operators.

The Water Treatment Plant treats its water by:

• Aeration
• Lime softening
• pH adjustment
• Filtration
• Chlorination
• Corrosion control

Water Distribution System

The water system includes two 1,000,000 gallon elevated storage facilities, and a 500,000 gallon ground storage reservoir.

The Distribution System that brings water to the City's homes and businesses consists of over 80 miles of water main ranging in diameter from 4 to 18 inches and 475 fire hydrants.

Requests can be submitted to light up the Corporate Drive water tower for special events.  Click here to find the request form. Request form and payment must be received two to four weeks prior to the lighting date to allow time to program the color.  Completed form and payment can be dropped off at city hall in the water payment drop box on the west side of city hall or mailed to 105 Milwaukee Mall, Charles City, Iowa 50616.