Water Division

                                                          Moline Water Plant

                                              30 - 18th Street, Moline, IL 61265   

                                                               309-524-2300

The Water Division provides continuous high quality, economical water and services to the citizens of Moline.  Using the Mississippi River as our source, we treat, pump and meter water to over 17,000 homes and businesses.  We are responsible for the operation, maintenance and upgrade of the City’s extensive water supply system infrastructure.

Moline’s public water supply system is operated as an enterprise fund. All funds, revenues and expenditures associated with its operation are segregated from other City finances. The current annual Water Division budget is about $8.1 million dollars. The revenue to support this budget is derived solely from water sales and fees for water-related services. No tax dollars, in any form, are used to fund Moline’s public water supply system. Water expenditures are solely related to the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of the City’s public water supply system. A PDF copy of our current water rates is available below.

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WATER RATES

Click here for a copy of the current water rates    (PDF)

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WATER TREATMENT PLANT

The employees of the Water Treatment Plant Section are responsible for treating and pumping nearly 2 billion gallons of water each year.  Operations, Maintenance and Water Quality personnel work together to ensure proper operation and control of treatment plant and pumping station facilities, which operate on a 24-hour per day basis.  The result of these dedicated efforts is a continuous supply of sparkling clear water, which meets or surpasses all Federal and State regulations.

The City welcomes public interest in its water supply operations.  Students, civic and professional groups and interested individuals have found water plant tours to be an interesting and enlightening experience.  Water Plant tours may be scheduled by contacting the Utilities General Manager at 524-2301 or gswanson@moline.il.us.

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WATER SUPPLY HISTORY

In 1883, the Davis Brothers contracted with the City of Moline to construct and operate a 2 million gallon per day (MGD) capacity pumping station. This steam powered pumping station was constructed at the foot of Bass Street (17^th Street) on Sylvan Slough and pumped raw Mississippi river water through a seven mile network of water mains that were also constructed by the Davis Brothers. The City took ownership of the pumping station and water system in 1886. In 1902, the City constructed its first filtration plant immediately adjacent to the pumping station. This plant proved to be inadequate to meet the City’s water supply needs and typhoid fever epidemics, related to water treatment deficiencies, occurred in 1917 and 1918. After these epidemics, Mr. A.E. Anderson assumed responsibility for the operation of the water supply. 

The 1902 filtration plant was successfully operated under Mr. Anderson’s skillful direction, until the City constructed a new 4 MGD filtration plant at Sylvan Park (the foot of 18^th Street) in 1933.  The original 1883 steam powered pump station remained in operation until 1950, at which time a new electrically powered pump station was constructed adjacent to the 1933 filtration plant. At the same MGD to support post-WWII City growth, a new intake was constructed and the practice of lime softening was adopted. The filtration plant capacity was increased to 12 MGD in 1960, to meet additional water demand associated with continued City growth.

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WATER QUALITY & ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

The homes and businesses in the City of Moline receive water that consistently surpasses all regulatory requirements. Key water quality parameters are continuously monitored and thousands of additional tests and analyses are performed each year to ensure that water quality goals are achieved and that your water is safe to drink. Important information regarding Moline’s water quality is contained in our most recent annual Water Quality Report.

2008 Annual Water Quality Report   (PDF)

2007 Annual Water Quality Report 

2006 Annual Water Quality Report

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PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFE WATER

The City of Moline Water Treatment Plant is a charter member of the Partnership for Safe Water. The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary national organization that was formed in 1996 in response to water quality concerns raised by a waterborne disease outbreak that occurred in Milwaukee in 1993. The Partnership members are surface water supplies that have a made a formal commitment to stringent water quality standards that exceed regulatory requirements and provide superior protection from microbial contaminants. As a member of the Partnership, we have established and implemented enhanced process control and monitoring procedures, which help to ensure that the water you receive surpasses the standards established by regulations.

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WATER QUALITY FAQs

Q.    How hard is Moline water?

A.    As mentioned above, the Moline Water Treatment Plant softens the water removing a significant portion of the hardness. Finished water hardness values range from 5 grains per gallon to 7 grains per gallon or 80 to 120 milligrams per liter.

Q.    Why is my water milky in appearance?

A.    This is caused by air.  When the water is cold, it contains more oxygen.  You can prove it is air by filling a clear glass with water and observing it for a few minutes.  As the oxygen comes out of the water, the milky appearance will begin to clear from the glass of water. 

Q.    My water is rusty, smells or has other aesthetic problems.

A.    There could be a variety of reasons.  Call the Water Plant at 524-2300 and ask for assistance from the Utilities General Manager or Chemist.

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WATER DISTRIBUTION

The employees in the Water Distribution section are responsible for operating and maintaining the water distribution system, which conveys water from the treatment plant to Moline homes and businesses. The Distribution team performs a great variety of duties such as routine flushing, field investigations, emergency main break repairs and disinfection and testing new water main construction. The efforts of these employees help to ensure that the supply of water to your home remains safe after it leaves the treatment plant and that the duration of necessary service interruptions is minimized.

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WATER DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE

The water distribution system is quite extensive and includes approximately 231 miles of water mains, 4,650 valves, 2,300 fire hydrants, 17,055 water services and 3 elevated storage tanks. The age of components of the distribution system vary greatly, with portions dating back to 1883. The water mains, which range in size from 4 inches to 24 inches in diameter, are constructed of cast iron or ductile iron pipe which is typically buried about 5 feet deep. Service lines may be constructed of galvanized iron, lead, copper, cast iron or ductile iron pipe. The City of Moline is unique in the Quad Cities’ area, in that the City maintains the portion of the service lines that lie within the public right of way. The elevated storage tanks, which hold combined volume of 2.25 million gallons, provide reserve water for daily peaks in water consumption and for firefighting purposes. The Distribution personnel also flush, repair and replace the fire hydrants to help enhance fire suppression efforts. The City of Moline practices proactive infrastructure maintenance and has established replacement programs to manage problems related to aging water system and to control related costs. 

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Online Service Request

Distribution personnel are available on a 24-hour per day basis to respond to water emergencies and to provide assistance should a water related problem occur. Call the Water Plant, 524-2300, to report a water emergency or to request other water related services.

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UNDERGROUND RECORDS AND JULIE LOCATES

The Water Division maintains detailed maps and records of the water distribution system infrastructure. These records include detailed measurements and information related to water mains, service lines, water shut-off valves and other buried water system appurtenances. Contact our Records Specialist, 524-2305, if you require information regarding your water service line or another portion of the water distribution system.

The City is a member of the statewide “one-call before you dig” network, known as JULIE. Citizens who plan to dig should contact JULIE, 1-800-892-0123, at least 48 hours prior to digging. This will allow underground utilities, including Water, to be notified and have an opportunity to mark any buried facilities in the area. Please be aware that water facilities are marked in blue and the City does not have authority to locate facilities on private property.

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LEAK DETECTION INITIATIVE

The Water Division has established a leak detection initiative, with the goal of reducing the amount of water lost through undetected leaks in the distribution system. This initiative is driven by the fact that not all water leaks rise to the surface of the ground, and such leaks may go unreported, increasing the cost of water supply operations. Water Distribution personnel are conducting an ongoing systematic search for potential leaks throughout the entire City, using specialized electronic listening and leak correlation equipment.

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WATER DISTRIBUTION FAQ's

Q.    Water is coming into my basement. Who do I call?

A.    There could be a variety of reasons for water to come into a basement.  It could be ground water or a service line leak.  Call the Water Plant at 524-2300 so we can investigate the leak and check for chlorine in the water.  If water is coming out of a floor drain, call Water Pollution Control at 524-2325 or the after hours emergency number, 524-2300.

Q.    The shut off valve at my water meter is leaking, who do I call?

A.    The shut off valve at the meter is the customer’s responsibility.  Sometimes the packing nut may be loose and a simple tightening of the nut eliminates the leak. If this does not stop the leak, the customer should call a plumber to make the necessary repairs.   If it is an emergency, call the Water Plant at 524-2300 for service.

Q.    Water is coming up in the street, boulevard, sidewalk, yard, or by a fire hydrant. Who do I call?

A.    Call the Water Plant at 524-2300 to report location of leak.

Q.    I need the water turned off outside so that I can make a repair in the building.  Who do I call?

A.    Call the Water Plant at 524-2300.  There will not be a charge to turn the water off and back on between the hours of 7:00 am and 2:45 pm, Monday through Friday.  After 3:00 pm on weekdays and on weekends, there will be an overtime charge.

Q.    Why was a green notification card left on my door? 

A.    This is notification that the water service in your area will be interrupted for system repairs or maintenance, and that a precautionary boil order will be in effect when water service is restored. Until the boil order is lifted, water used for human consumption should be boiled for 5 minutes.   Boil orders will usually last around 48 hours, depending on circumstances. All affected homes and businesses will be notified when the boil order is withdrawn. Call the Water Plant, at 524-2300 for more information, if desired.  Click here to view boil order information online.

Q.    Why was a blue notification card left on my door?

A.    This is notification that a precautionary boil order has been withdrawn. The notification

       advises you that laboratory tests have confirmed that no microbial contamination is present in your water. Call the Water Plant, at for more information, if desired.  Click here to view boil order information online.
 

Q.    How are customers notified when a boil order is issued?

A.    When the City of Moline issues a boil order, each affected home and business is notified directly. If an extensive area is involved, the City will issue notice through the media. Call the Water Plant, at 524-2300 for more information, or click here to view boil order information online.

Q     I don’t have any water!  Why?

A.    The customer should be notified in advance if we are turning off the water for any reason.  Call the Water Plant at 524-2300, to report the problem.

Q     I don’t have any water pressure!  Why?

A.    There could be a multiple of reasons.  Call the Water Plant at 524-2300, to report the problem.

Q     I don’t have very much water coming from my faucet after the water was turned on after repairs were made.  Why?

A.    When there is an interruption of service for repairs, sediment may be stirred up and small particles could be clogging the screen on the faucet.  Try cleaning the screen(s) on the affected faucet(s). If the problem persists, call the Water Plant at 524-2300, to seek assistance.

Q     The water was turned off for repairs.  Is it safe to drink?

A.    As noted above, we issue notice to each customer when a precautionary boil order is issued. Call the Water Plant at 524-2300, if you are unsure of the status of the water to your home or business.

Q     The City dug a hole to make a repair/maintenance to the water lines or fire hydrants.  When will the City fix the hole in the street, driveway, sidewalk, or yard?

A.    Call the Water Distribution Manager at 524-2306 or the Water Plant at 524-2300.

Q     I want to dig in my yard, can you locate the water line?

A.    Call the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE), at 1-800-892-0123, and provide at least 48 hours in advance.  They will notify all member utilities, who will locate buried facilities in the area. This includes Water, Sewer, Storm Sewer, Electrical, Natural Gas, Phone and Cable.

Q     Why did someone spray paint on my property, street, and/or curb?

A.    Someone called the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE), at 1-800-892-0123, to notify them that they were going to be digging in the area. Each color designates a service.  Blue - Water, Green – Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer, Red - Electrical, Yellow - Gas, Orange - Communications.  This does not mean that the City will be digging there.  It could be for a number of reasons, by many different companies, such as the phone company, gas and electric company, cable company, lawn service, or fence company.  Call the Water Distribution Manager at 524-2306 to determine if the City requested the JULIE locate in question.

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FIELD SERVICE SECTION

The employees of the Field Service Section are responsible for metering and customer service related activities. The metering activities include water meter reading, testing, repairs, replacements and new installations. The customer services activities include account turn-ons, turn-offs, final reads, high bill investigations and water service sizing for new installations. This Section is also responsible for our Cross Connection Control Program, which provides added protection by reducing the likelihood of hazardous contaminants entering the water supply from plumbing interconnections in homes and businesses.

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WATER METERING

Water meters have been installed in the homes and businesses connected to the City’s water distribution. These meters allow for accurate measurement of the water consumption on the premises. The water meters are connected to a black box, known as an ARB, which has been installed on the exterior of the building. Meter readers collect water meter readings from the ARB boxes on a quarterly basis and this data is used to generate the water and sewer bill that you receive. The use of the ARB boxes, related data collection equipment, and software has greatly improved the efficiency of our meter reading activities and has eliminated the need to enter homes and businesses on a routine basis. 

The accuracy of the water meters is important to both the City and the water consumer.  The City ensures that all water meters installed in the City meet or exceed industry accuracy standards. Our meter shop includes meter-testing facilities, which can be used to verify the accuracy of new, rebuilt and questionable meters. We have found that water meters typically under-register as they age. As a result, we have established a program to systematically verify the accuracy of the various types of water meters that are installed throughout the City.

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ROUTINE FIELD SERVICES

Field service personnel work closely with the Accounts and Finance (A&F) office to meet the needs of our customers. Routine services such as turn-ons, turn-offs, final reads and high bill investigations should be reported to our A&F office, 524-2070. Your service request will be incorporated into our customer service schedule and the service provided as quickly as possible. Our Water Distribution Manager, 524-2306, should be contacted if you need to determine the appropriate water service size for a new installation. Requests for emergency services should be directed to our 24-hour number, 524-2300.

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CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

The City has established a cross connection control program, which provides enhanced protection of Moline’s public water supply. This program involves surveying businesses and homes for potential cross connections that could allow hazardous contaminants to enter the Distribution system under certain circumstances. Appropriate cross connection control devices are required on premises that are found to have potential cross connections. The City maintains detailed records of the cross connection control program, including survey, device and test data. Our efforts comply with the requirements of the IEPA and the State of Illinois Plumbing Code. 

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FIELD SERVICE FAQ's

Q.    How do I cancel my water service?

A.    Call Accounts & Finance at 524-2070 to set up a service order for final read.

Q.    What do I have to do to get my water service turned on?

A.    You must go to the Accounts & Finance office, at 1616 – 6^th Avenue, to place a deposit and sign for water service. For more information, call 524-2070.

Q.    I have a new house and I need a water meter.

A.    Customer must go to the Accounts & Finance office, at 1616 – 6^th Avenue, and place a deposit and sign for water service.  For more information, call 524-2070.

Q.    I do not want to pay sewer charges when I water my lawn or fill my swimming pool.

A.    A separate meter must be installed.  You would need to hire a licensed plumber and a plumbing permit must be obtained from Code Enforcement Division at City Hall, 619 -16^th Street. You must go to the Accounts & Finance office, at 1616 - 6^th Avenue, to pay a set up fee and make arrangements for the meter to be installed.  Call 524-2070 for more information.

Q.    I have a high water bill, who do I call?

A.    Call the Accounts & Finance Office at 524-2070 to set up an appointment for a service person to come out to the home or business and check for leaks.

Q.    Can I set up a payment plan to pay my water bill?

A.    Call the Accounts & Finance Office at 524-2070 to set up a payment plan.

Q.    My water meter is leaking, who do I call?

A.    Call the Accounts & Finance Office at 524-2070 to set up a service order to repair meter.  If it is an emergency, call the Water Plant at 524-2300 for service.

Q.    A blue card was left on my door.  Why?

A.    This card was left by our personnel because the meter reading was unusual or an accurate water meter reading could not be obtained from the remote ARB box.  Call Accounts and Finance at 524-2070, with a reading from the water meter.  If the meter reading is not obtained, the water bill will be estimated from previous billings. 

Q.    A white card was left on my door to fix or repair meter or remote ARB box. What should I do?

A.    Call the Field Service Division at the Water Plant, at 524-2306 or 524-2300, to set up an appointment to repair meter or remote.

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INTERNAL LEAK INVESTIGATION

The best method for determining whether or not a water leak exists within your home or business is through observation of your individual water meter, as follows:

1. Write down all the numbers on the face of the dial and note the position of the red hand. This should be done at a time when there will not be any water used for several hours (either before bed or right before leaving the house for some time).

2. Upon waking or returning to your house, take another reading from the meter. Compare the two readings. In theory, the two readings should be the same. If they are not, and you cannot account for the use by a humidifier, ice maker or water softener, then you have a leak and further investigation is recommended.

From our experience, 90% of the leaks in residential plumbing systems are found at the toilet tank. We encourage you to look for such leaks. A leak does not necessarily mean that there will be water on the floor. A leaky toilet can easily add thousands of wasted gallons to your water bill. There are many ways for your toilet to be leaking.

1. The flapper is located at the bottom of your tank and is designed to hold the water in the tank. The flapper can deteriorate or warp, causing water to leave the tank without making any noise at all. A good test to determine if your flapper needs to be replaced is to add a drop or two of food coloring to color the water in the tank. After 30 minutes or so, check to see that the colored water has not come down into the bowl. If the colored water is in the bowl, your flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

2. The water level for your toilet may be too high. In this case, the water may be running into the overflow tube. Check to make sure that the level is at least 1” below the top of the overflow tube. If it is not, adjust the float to obtain the desired level.

3. The flushing arm and lift chain may not be working properly. This is usually the problem if you have to jiggle the handle to get the toilet to stop running. In this case, water continues to run until someone remembers to jiggle the handle.

4. The float rod, ballcock, and/or float ball could be corroded.  Replacement parts are fairly inexpensive and easy to install. These parts are available at hardware and home improvement stores.

If you are not sure you can handle any of the problems described above, call a plumber. It’s important that you correct the problem, so that you are not paying added cost for wasted water. As mentioned above, requests for high bill investigations should be made through our A&F office.

Water costs money . . .

don’t waste it!

A dripping faucet or fixture can waste 3 gallons a day . . .

 a total of 1095 gallons a year.

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USEFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS

Source Water Assessment:

http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/groundwater/source-water-assessment/index.html

USEPA – Safe Water: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/

ILLINOIS EPA – Bureau of Water: http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/index.html

American Water Works Association (AWWA): http://www.awwa.org/

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  Online Service Request