Water

Sigourney Water Treatment Plant Overview

The Sigourney Water Treatment Plant and Well Fields are situated one mile north of Sigourney. Built in 1994, the plant pumps approximately 200,000 gallons of water daily. It sources water from four wells in the Mississippian Aquifer and one well in the Jordan Aquifer, operating all wells simultaneously and blending the water. The blended water is first aerated to remove hydrogen sulfide and oxidize iron and manganese, then stored in a 50,000-gallon retention basin for settling. Next, the water passes through six parallel filters made of anthracite over sand, followed by two parallel ion exchange softeners, reducing hardness by 50%. Liquid chlorine is added for disinfection. Two pumps, each with a capacity of 550 gallons per minute (gpm), alternate in sending water to a 200,000-gallon water tower as needed. The water staff routinely collects and tests water samples from the treatment plant and distribution system on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure proper operation and safe drinking water for the community.

Water Billing Information

Minimum Charge: The first 1,000 gallons of water are billed at $23.76.

Outside City Limits: Consumers outside the city pay 50% more than the standard water rate.

Payment Terms: Water bills are due monthly by the 15th. A 10% penalty is added if the bill is unpaid by the due date. If bills remain unpaid by the 20th, the City Clerk will issue a notice that the water service will be disconnected by the end of the month. Services will not be restored until all outstanding bills, including a $50 reconnect fee, are paid in full.

Meter Rates: Each service is billed monthly based on meter readings, with a minimum charge applied even if the property is vacant unless water has been turned off by city personnel.

Excess Usage: Any usage over 1,000 gallons is charged according to established rates, plus sewer rental fees.

Annual Review: The City Council Finance Committee reviews water rates annually to ensure fairness and adequacy.

Rate Increase: Water rates increase by 3% annually on July 1, starting from July 1, 2012, unless the increase is waived or modified by a Council resolution.

All users must adhere to the water use charge system, which takes precedence over any contractual terms or agreements with the City of Sigourney

Water Conservation Tips

Indoor Water-Saving Tips:

Kitchen and Laundry:

• Wash dishes by filling the sink instead of letting the water run.
• Run clothes washers and dishwashers only when full to save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
• Use cold water to wash dark clothes to save water and energy.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge for cold drinks to avoid running the tap.
• Install water-saving aerators on faucets.
• Use a basin to wash fruits and vegetables instead of running water.

Bathroom:

• Take shorter showers and install water-efficient showerheads to save up to 750 gallons a month.
• Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving to save up to 300 gallons per month.
• Upgrade to water-efficient toilets or use a displacement device in older models.
• Use a bucket in the shower to collect water as it warms up and use it to water plants or flush toilets.

Appliances and Fixtures:

• Upgrade to water-efficient appliances with cycle and load size adjustments.
• Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink to save water and energy.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly to save hundreds of gallons per month.

Outdoor Water-Saving Tips:

 Gardening and Lawn Care:

• Water lawns and gardens in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
• Use drip irrigation systems for shrubs and trees.
• Choose drought-tolerant plants and reduce lawn areas with shrubs and ground covers.
• Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it and consider aerating your lawn annually.

Efficient Irrigation:

• Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks or streets.
• Install rain sensors on irrigation controllers to prevent watering during rain.
• Use sprinklers for large areas and hand-water small patches to avoid waste.
• Check for leaks in outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and hoses regularly.

Pools and Spas:

• Install covers on pools and spas to reduce evaporation and check for leaks.
• Use recirculating pumps for pools, fountains, and ponds to minimize water loss.

Additional Outdoor Practices:

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Collect rainwater from roofs to water gardens.
• Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler, and rainfall is more plentiful.
  

Conservation Habits and Maintenance:

General Habits:

• Avoid using running water for thawing food; use the refrigerator instead.
• Reuse water from rinsing produce for watering houseplants.
• Report broken pipes and leaks to property owners or water providers.

Regular Monitoring:

• Monitor water bills for unusual spikes indicating leaks.
• Regularly check the moisture level of soil before watering plants.

Community and Advocacy:

• Encourage local governments and schools to promote water conservation.
• Support projects using reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
• By implementing these tips, you can contribute significantly to water conservation efforts, reducing both water waste and your utility bills.23