This Department employs three field employees. Approximately 3,900-metered accounts are serviced through a network of roughly 52 miles of water mains, 800 water valves, and 375 fire hydrants.
Water is supplied by three (3) shallow wells. Water is pumped from the Cedar Valley
limestone formation. The City has three (3) elevated storage tanks with a total of 2,225,000 gallons of capacity.
The average daily water pumpage is 925,000 gallons.
The water treatment plant is located at 110 1st Avenue South. Phone #: (641) 357-3911. Emergency service (available 24 hours) can be reached at (641) 357-2186.
Water Dept. Team: Adam Theiss, Jon Monson, Niko Barragy
Hydrant Flushing
The City of Clear Lake flushes hydrants twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Watch for ads in newspaper and newsletter for exact days. Hydrants are flushed to circulate fresh water. Tap water may be discolored in your immediate area during flushing. Run water for a few minutes and make sure it is clear before using. Be sure to check the water before washing clothes! Sediment in the water may stain clothing. Most municipal water systems perform annual hydrant flushing to ensure delivery of the best water quality. The City of Clear Lake flushes hydrants twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
If you are leaving town for an extended time period during the winter season, it is recommended that you leave your furnace thermostat set at a minimum of 50 degrees while you're away. If this is not possible, you should have your water turned off outside at the curb box by the Water Department. There is a fee for this service.
Low Water Pressure
If you experience low water pressure throughout the entire residence and it occurred suddenly, you should check the valves located on each side of the water meter and verify they are completely opened. These valves may be partially closed by children playing, or if a contractor was working on the system. If the low pressure has occurred over time and is noticeable at only one or two faucets, try cleaning out the aerators on the faucets in question. Simply unscrew the aerator from the faucet, remove the pieces, and rinse water backwards through the aerator. Should you continue to experience low pressure, please contact the Water Department at 641-357-3911.
Water Bill Increases
Water meters may occasionally malfunction. However, when thy do, meters will generally fail to register. It is extremely rare that a water meter would register more than the amount flowing through it (speed up).
If you experience a significant increase in your water bill, you should do the following:
- Check all of your toilets. Leaking toilets are a major cause of high water usage.
- Find a time when no water will be used, then check your water meter for signs of movement.
Remember that there is a one month delay in the billing process. Your current bill is reflective of past usage. Try to recall if your usage was higher during that time period (watering performed during summer months, etc.). Should you need assistance with locating a possible leak, please call the Water Department at 641-357-3911.
For the latest lake level information on Clear Lake click here. Take the tape reading, subtract 4.7 and multiply by 12 to get the lake level in inches above or below the weir.
Water Quality Report
To view the June, 2022 Water Quality Report click here.