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Service Line Inventory Letters

EPA/Iowa DNR: Lead Service Line Inventory Letters

 

The City of Ida Grove sent letters out last week to inform some of our residents about the service line material at their home. This letter was not a reflection on the Ida Grove water quality but is an effort to inform the public that the water service line that runs from the public water main to their home may have at one time contained lead. Lead water lines were used in older houses but many of those lines have been replaced.

In an effort to update water service line infrastructure throughout the country, the DNR and EPA are requiring communities to conduct a review of their current records. Our service records are based on notes from previous operators over many decades and may no longer be accurate. If homeowners have updated water line material to their home, please let us know by contacting City Hall at (712)364-2428 or email Luke at [email protected]. We are required to submit and maintain a current record on the state’s portal system. We must also notify any homeowners if we are not certain that the waterline feeding their house is or ever was lead or downstream of plumbing containing lead.

The letters that were sent out last week were to update the residents of our findings.  Over the next 3 years the city will be updating records by contacting residents and performing onsite confirmation of the service line material. In some cases, the service line will have to be exposed through excavation at the property. If the line is confirmed to be made of lead, then the line will be replaced.

 

Updated Information 5-8-24

We are expecting water pressure to return to normal early this afternoon. With that, we are expecting to see sediment and discolored water in the lines. Flush your outside spigot or run water in your bathtub until clear. We are unsure what the timeline will be for the boil advisory due to test results from the lab.

Please subscribe to our website or follow our Facebook page for updated information.

To subscribe to our website, please go to www.idagroveia.com, scroll to bottom of page, enter your email and click subscribe.

Lead & Copper Sampling

Last year a new well was added to the water system. The City of Ida Grove is required to increase monitoring of Lead and Copper to assess how the new water may affect the metal pipes in the distribution system. To help locate qualifying sites to monitor the water we have provided a short survey to see if your home meets the DNR’s monitoring criteria. These sample sites are needed this month because samples are due back to the DNR in June and a follow up round of samples are due by December.

Please fill out the form even if your home doesn’t qualify. The EPA has implemented new Lead service line inventory monitoring. This form will also help the city update our records for the lead service inventory in October.

The sampling process is simple for the lead and copper testing. A labeled bottle will be filled with a cold-water kitchen or bath faucet in the morning after at least 6 hours without flow. This sample would be picked up by city staff that morning.

Click Here To View Form

2024 Permit Notice

Permit Notice

This serves as a reminder to all property owners and contractors that permits are required prior to beginning any construction or maintenance on projects such as:  water, sanitary sewer, building construction, etc.  Please visit the online city code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ or contact City Hall if you are unsure if a permit is required in order to avoid penalties.

 

Water Discoloration

Many of the changes in the water you’re seeing lately are due to introducing the new well into the City water system. As with any change, it takes some time to work out all the kinks. We are aware of and working to address the color in the water. The discoloration is produced by iron presence in the water being oxidized by the chlorine that is used to disinfect the system. The colored water is not harmful for human consumption and will settle out. The well output has been reduced from the new well to reduce the amount of iron moving in the system. This is similar to the effects of hydrant flushing.

We assure you regular tests are being performed and passed per Iowa DNR requirements.

 

Boil Notice Lifted 11-30-23

AS A REMINDER

IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE VIA DOOR HANGER, THIS DOES NOT PERTAIN TO YOU.

 

We have been notified that all requirements have been met and the boil advisory is now lifted.

Thank you.

 

Notice Of Scheduled Repair/Maintenance

IF YOU WERE NOT NOTIFIED VIA DOOR HANGER, THEN THIS NOTICE DOES NOT PERTAIN TO YOU.

Notice of Scheduled Repair/Maintenance

The City of Ida Grove will be replacing a broken water valve on Monday, November 20th. This work does require a boil notice advisory for your residence. You may use the water, but do not drink, cook or consume the water without boiling it first. The advisory will be in effect from 8 am on November 20th through Noon on November 22nd. Please check the City Website or Facebook page for further updates. We apologize for any inconvenience. Contact City Hall with any questions at 364-2428.

Click Here To View Area Of Map Of Notice 

 

Update 9-13-23

The boil advisory that was issued yesterday morning was due to a short term outage during the City’s ongoing migration from the old water system to the new water system, which caused a loss of pressure. We understand the frustration and are doing everything we can to avoid a future disruption. Please be patient while we continue transitioning.

With that being said, due to the unfortunate mandatory boil advisories that have recently transpired for our community, we have been working diligently to bring forward a solution to better notify the public in emergent situations such as phone call and/or text message.  Current notifications are sent to the news stations, radio stations, city website, Facebook, and the local access cable channel.

We have had in place, an option to receive email notifications if at anytime our city website is updated with new information. You can subscribe to this at anytime.  Click Here To Subscribe.

We are currently subscribing users that have signed up for email billing, and any future participants, will automatically be subscribed to the website. An email will be sent to verify subscription. You may opt out if you wish.

 

Update ~ Boil Advisory

The current boil advisory for Badger Creek Drive and all of Zobel’s Addition is still in effect.

In order to lift the boil advisory, the city is required by the Iowa DNR to submit and pass two individual water samples. As of today, 9/7/2023, our first 18 hour test sample passed the requirements.  We will be delivering the second sample to the lab this morning.

We will post an update tomorrow morning, once the final test has been received.

Permit Notice

Permit Notice

This serves as a reminder to all property owners and contractors that permits are required prior to beginning any construction or maintenance on projects such as:  water, sanitary sewer, building construction, etc.  Please visit the online city code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ or contact City Hall if you are unsure if a permit is required in order to avoid penalties.

 

 

Boil Advisory

Due to the extent of a water main break, a drinking water advisory is now in effect for the following addresses:

  • West side of Moorehead Avenue from Ash Drive to Highway 175
  • Both sides of Moorehead Avenue from The Brew to the intersection of N. First Street/Washington Street, with the exception of Cenex
  • Susan Lawrence Drive
  • Highway 175 from the Western corporate limits to the intersection of Highway 175/Moorehead Avenue

Physical door hangers will be placed on all properties effected.  Due to sampling requirements, the City expects the advisory to be in effect for approximately 48 hours and will update as more information is received.

Water Advisory Lifted

The precautionary health advisory effective at 3:00 am on Monday, July 18, 2022 has been lifted.  Levels are within normal limits and did not exceed the limits while blending for sampling.

Precautionary Health Advisory

In the early hours Monday, July 18, 2022 the City will obtain a manganese sample from our wells while they’re blending.  In an effort to reduce interruption to daily activities, the city will perform the tests at approximately 3:00 am. We will update as soon as we have results. The attached health advisory is for precautionary measures only.

Click Here To View Precautionary Health Advisory

Boil Advisory Lifted

We have just received notification that the boil advisory that had been issued for the City of Ida Grove is now lifted. The equipment malfunction that caused the boil advisory, is in the process of being fixed with our water improvement project. If you would like to receive instant notifications, please subscribe to our website. Please visit our website at www.idagroveia.com and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and enter your email address to subscribe. You will receive notifications via email when posts are made by the city.

Permit Notice

Permit Notice

This serves as a reminder to all property owners and contractors that permits are required prior to beginning any construction or maintenance on projects such as:  water, sanitary sewer, building construction, etc.  Please visit the online city code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ or contact City Hall if you are unsure if a permit is required in order to avoid penalties.

 

 

Water Boil Advisory Lifted

Good morning, Ida Grove!  We have just been notified that the water results came back this morning within normal range so the boil advisory is lifted.  Have a wonderful weekend!

BOIL ADVISORY

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY

 

The Ida Grove Water Supply is recommending to boil the water before using for drinking or to use an alternative source

 

The Ida Grove Water Supply had a power outage due to storms on December 15, 2021, and was unable to disinfect the water supply for a period of time. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used.

 

IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.  Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.  The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes.

 

For more information, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

 

Disinfection is occurring now. Hydrants will be flushed to rid the system of unchlorinated water, and once the system is stable, bacteria samples will be collected. This advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. You will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is lifted.

 

The system is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.

 

This notice is being sent to you by the Ida Grove Water Supply.

PWSID#: 4728067

Date distributed:  December 16, 2021

 

Hydrant Flushing

**ATTENTION**

The City of Ida Grove will begin it’s Fall water main flushing in October. We will start with the North area of town and work South. You may experience low water pressure and discolored water during this period. To clean up discolored water, let a cold water faucet run until the water clears. Thank You!

Updated Utility Bills

The City of Ida Grove’s utility bills got a fresh, new look! Bills are heading to the Post Office today, so be on the lookout for the new RED color!

Water and Sewer Rates

The final reading of Ordinance 576 – Water and Sewer Rate Increase was passed and approved at the regular city council meeting held Monday, November 18, 2019.  This is a courtesy notice that the new rates will go into effect for bills dated on or after January 1, 2020.  For the full ordinance change, please see attached link.  Ordinance 576

Join Us For A Community Meeting!

When:  Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5-6 pm

Where:  Ida Grove City Council Chambers

The elected officials of the City of Ida Grove would like to invite citizens to attend an informational meeting on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  The meeting will provide insight and education on the proposed water and sewer projects and a review of the cost associated with the projects.

Water Quality – 2018 Consumer Confidence Report Now Available

Check out the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report available now from the City of Ida Grove:

 

 

2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR

IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY

 

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater.   Our water quality testing shows the following results:

 

CONTAMINANT MCL – (MCLG) Compliance Date Violation Source
Type Value & (Range) Yes/No
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) [TTHM] 80   (N/A) LRAA 5.00 08/20/2018 No By-products of drinking water chlorination
Copper (ppm) AL=1.3   (1.3) 90th 0.58 (ND – 0.67) 2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Lead (ppb) AL=15   (0) 90th 0.00 (ND – 210)

1 sample exceeded AL

2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
950 – DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Chlorine (ppm) MRDL=4.0   (MRDLG=4.0) RAA 0.9 (0.6 – 1.1) 12/31/2018 No Water additive used to control microbes
04 – WELLS #7 & 8, AT LOW RENT HOUSING
Sodium (ppm) N/A   (N/A) SGL 9.5 06/27/2018 No Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process
Fluoride (ppm) 4   (4) SGL 0.78 (0.7 – 0.78) 05/21/2018 No Water additive which promotes strong teeth;  Erosion of natural deposits;  Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate [as N] (ppm) 10   (10) SGL 7.60 (5.9 – 7.60) 12/18/2018 No Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Atrazine (ppb) 3   (3) SGL 0.20 08/05/2015 No Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

 

 

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

  • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
  • Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) — The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
  • ppb — parts per billion.
  • ppm — parts per million.
  • N/A – Not applicable
  • ND — Not detected
  • RAA – Running Annual Average
  • Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
  • SGL – Single Sample Result
  • RTCR – Revised Total Coliform Rule

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.  The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.  If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

 

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population.  It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.  If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.  Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age.  High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity.  If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

 

This water supply obtains its water from the sand and gravel of the Alluvial aquifer.  The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials provide little protection from contamination at the land surface.  The Alluvial wells will be highly susceptible to surface contaminants such as leaking underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is available from the Water Operator at 712-364-2989   .

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

For questions regarding this information or how you can get involved in decisions regarding the water system, please contact IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY at 712-364-2989.

 

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the city council meetings held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00pm at 403 Third Street and are open to the public.

 

Please note this report will not be mailed to individual customers, to obtain a copy please stop at City Hall, 403 Third Street, Ida Grove, Ia., or you may view a copy on the city website at www.idagrove.com

 

Cast Your Vote on Water Fluoridation

The Ida Grove City Council would like to hear from residents on whether or not fluoride should be added to Ida Grove’s water. To better represent you, the council wants to hear your opinion and have designed a survey system to allow citizens to voice their individual opinions. To cast your “vote” return the payment stub of your water bill by March 15th, 2019 with a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ response to the following question: “SHOULD THE CITY ADD FLUORIDE TO THE WATER?”. Please also include the number of voting adults in your household. If each adult is voting differently that must be indicated or it will be assumed each is voting the same. Residents may also “vote” by calling Ida Grove City Hall at 712-364-2428 – (City of Ida Grove account number will be used for verification purposes). The City of Ida Grove thanks you for your participation in this survey so that we may better serve the community.

Hydrant Flushing

NOTICE: The city will begin flushing fire hydrants from now until the weather becomes too cold. You may experience low water pressure and/or some discolored water during the process but don’t be alarmed. Thank you!

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