May 2019 Our CR

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HISTORY

PRESERVED Protecting and repurposing our historic landmarks

} ANNUAL WATER

QUALITY REPORT

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MAY 2019

FROM THE

FROM THE CITY MANAGER • SPECIAL SECTION •

CITY MANAGER

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2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT •

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city’s history is an important aspect of its identity — and architecture can be a physical representation of that history. When historic buildings and neighborhoods

are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of our past disappears forever.

ON THE COVER:

Historic preservation involves much more than simply saving

Built in 1929, the City of Cedar Rapids Water Treatment plant on J Avenue is still producing clean drinking water for today's residents. Learn more on page 10.

and restoring old buildings and sites; there are economic, cultural, environmental and educational benefits as well. Historic preservation adds to our quality of life, making for a unique, vibrant and livable community.

Preservation efforts also support sustainability. Reuse of historic buildings reduces the need for demolition and new construction,

CONNECT

which puts less waste in landfills and consumes less energy.

Cedar Rapids’ proud history is reflected in many buildings,

WITH CEDAR RAPIDS City of Cedar Rapids Iowa Government

Cedar Rapids App

@CityofCRIowa

Text / Email Alerts

CityofCR

City Source Email Newsletter

which continue to play an important role in the development of our neighborhoods and districts. The City of Cedar Rapids supports preservation efforts because we see the value in preserving our heritage.

This special historic preservation issue highlights some of the many projects that have taken place in Cedar Rapids in recent years. We are proud to support the preservation of our city’s rich history, and will continue to work with committed developers in

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renovating the community’s valuable landmarks to serve many generations to come.

Interested in Advertising With Us? Contact the Our CR Communications Coordinator at 319-286-5742.

Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager

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HISTORY PRESERVED

Here in the City of Cedar Rapids, we deeply value preserving historic assets. Historic buildings help celebrate our heritage, boost our local economy, and provide a unique sense of place. These buildings give us a physical representation of how our community has grown over the years. In short, they help tell the story of Cedar Rapids.

Since 2010, the City of Cedar Rapids has supported historic preservation projects across the community with approximately $12 million in incentives and the designation of local historic landmarks. This type of support is a critical component in the overall viability of these important projects.

This issue features many historic structures that have been restored in the last few decades thanks to dedicated developers; city, state, and federal financial support; and community partnerships.

The City is proud to collaborate with developers committed to preserving the history of Cedar Rapids, as well as local non-profits, Friends of Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation and Save CR Heritage, as we celebrate Cedar Rapids’ achievements in historic preservation. We are committed to continuing to provide support and resources to preserve treasured historic buildings in our community.

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HISTORY PRESERVED

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HISTORY

WHITE ELEPHANT BUILDING 1305 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

DATE BUILT: 1889 HISTORY: This building was part of the earliest commercial development

period of the Bohemian immigrant section of Cedar Rapids. By the early 1900s the old shopfront was occupied by Suchy Jewelry store and the Suchy family lived upstairs. In the early 1930s, this became home to the White Elephant “second hand store,” which continuously operated from this building for over 70 years. The building was originally located at 1010 Third Street SE and was moved in May 2016 to its current location.

CURRENT USE: The White Elephant Building was moved and restored by Beth and Tom DeBoom and Bart and Jenny Woods in 2018.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: The City provided the land that the White Elephant Building was moved to and helped facilitate the move.

Historic photo courtesy of The Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

IOWA WIND MILL AND PUMP COMPANY (THE MOTT BUILDING) 42 Seventh Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1902 HISTORY: The building was originally a new warehouse for the Iowa Wind Mill and Pump Company. For much of the mid to late 1900s this was a warehouse for the Iowa Pipe and Supply Company, which was later acquired by the J.D. Mott Company, where the current name of the building comes from. There was once a railroad track that connected this building from the Czech Village area, which traveled beneath the 8th Avenue Bridge.

CURRENT USE: Hobart Historic Restoration restored the building in 2016 into apartments.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE

123 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1928 HISTORY: The Paramount originally opened as the Capitol Theatre and

featured live stage entertainment acts and silent films. It was renamed the Paramount in 1929 when it shifted from vaudeville to motion pictures and became affiliated with Paramount Studios. It was primarily a first-run movie theatre from 1928 to 1976.

CURRENT USE: The Paramount Theatre was restored in 2012 after the Flood of 2008 and has been home to the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra since 1976.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: The City leveraged state and federal resources to restore the theatre after the Flood of 2008.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

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Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

SMULEKOFF'S FURNITURE STORE 97 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1904 HISTORY: This building was constructed by the Sinclair family of Cedar Rapids, thus originally known as the Sinclair Warehouse Building. Smulekoff’s Furniture acquired and renovated the building in 1941 and 1942, replacing the first floor brick walls and arches with large plate glass display windows. A large vertical sign with the “Smulekoff's” name was also added to the exterior of the building in 1942 at the start of World War II.

Carter Photography

CURRENT USE: The Smulekoff’s building was renovated by Steve Emerson in 2017 into commercial, residential, and event space.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

PEOPLES SAVINGS BANK

(POPOLI RISTORANTE & SULLIVAN’S BAR) 101 Third Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1911 HISTORY: The Peoples Savings Bank was designed by celebrated American architect Louis H. Sullivan of Chicago. This building was intended to be an anchor for the West Side Cedar Rapids Business District centered at Third Avenue and First Street SW. The building features original stained glass and murals.

CURRENT USE: The building was restored in 2014 by Fred Timko and Gary Rozek into Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s Bar. CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

SOKOL GYMNASIUM

417 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1908 HISTORY: Built primarily as a gymnasium with small offices on the upper two floors and two small retail spaces on Third Street SE, the Sokol building is locally significant for its association with an important Czech gymnastic and social organization called Sokol.

The word “Sokol” means “falcon” in Bohemian/Czech language and for many years a falcon architectural element stood atop the front of the structure.

CURRENT USE: The Sokol Gymnasium was restored in 2016 by

Green Development Sokol, LLC for commercial and residential use.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

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HISTORY PRESERVED

AUSADIE APARTMENTS

845 First Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1923 HISTORY: This building was originally built for owners Austin and Sadie Palmer; Ausadie is derived from the combination of their first names. Austin Palmer was the founder of the famous “Palmer Method” of Penmanship writing, started in Cedar Rapids in the 1880s. In the mid-1900s, the entire third floor of the

Ausadie was rented out to Mr. St. Elmo Coquillette, an executive of a Cedar Rapids bank.

CURRENT USE: The apartment building was updated in 2004 by Tim Oberbroeckling.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: The Ausadie building became the City’s first Local Historic Landmark in 2015.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

ROWELL HARDWARE BUILDING 120 Third Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1909 HISTORY: Rowell was a very innovative structure when it was first built because it was designed to be an indestructible building. Rowell Hardware company, a hardware store that stocked items such as dynamite, utilized this heavy duty, fireproof retail store building until the 1930s.

CURRENT USE: The building was restored in 2017 by Rowell Hardware Development, LLC and now houses commercial and residential space.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

Historic photo courtesy of Dave Rowell

COMMONWEALTH HOTEL & APARTMENTS (COMMONWEALTH SENIOR APARTMENTS) 1400 Second Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1925

Historic photo courtesy of The Gazette

HISTORY: This building was originally known as Commonwealth Hotel & Apartments, which offered deluxe extended stay hotel services including laundry, beauty shop, barber, and a masseuse. For many years, the Commonwealth also featured an elegant tea room restaurant for guests and tenants. It was initially advertised

as a “quiet alternative” stay to the more traditional downtown Cedar Rapids hotels of the 1920s and 30s.

CURRENT USE: The Commonwealth was renovated in 2015 by TWG Development to reopen as apartments for seniors.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

CEDAR RAPIDS MILK CONDENSING COMPANY (THE CHELSEA) 525 Valor Way SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1887 HISTORY: The building was originally built as the Condensed Milk Factory, but by the late 1890s it was converted into the American Manufacturing Company, which made wood products, furniture, and gunstocks. By the 1970s, much of the building was used by the Knutson Metal Company, dealers and buyers in scrap metal. Also during the 1970s

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and 80s, the basement of this building housed a nightclub known simply as The Warehouse.

CURRENT USE: The Chelsea was updated in 2017 by Hobart Historic Restoration into apartments.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL

(THE ROOSEVELT APARTMENTS) 200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa DATE BUILT: 1927 HISTORY: Named for President Theodore

Roosevelt, this 12-story structure was built in only nine months and was initially funded in part by Edith Rockefeller of New York. In 1948, there was a well-publicized murder on the seventh floor of the Roosevelt involving an out-of-town doctor. From the 1930s to 1970s, the basement of the Roosevelt

featured a very popular nightclub known as the Piccadilly Tavern, or the “Pic.”

CURRENT USE: The hotel was converted

into apartments in the 1980s, and completely renovated by Sherman Associates in 2010.

CITY INVOLVEMENT: This restoration

project was a recipient of the City’s historic preservation tax incentive program.

Historic photo courtesy of The History Center, Linn County Historical Society

CEDAR RAPIDS HISTORY PRESERVED |

Collectible Postcards

You can have and share your own piece of Cedar Rapids history. These collectible postcards feature historic structures that have been restored in the last few decades thanks to committed developers; city, state, and federal financial support; and community partnerships.

Look for them available for sale soon at City Hall and in participating local museum gift shops.

The City is proud to collaborate with local non-profits Friends of Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation and Save CR Heritage. The proceeds from postcard sales will benefit their work.

Featuring 12 Historic Cedar Rapids Buildings!

PRESERVATION SHOWCASE 2019:

Preservation in Motion

J

oin the members of the non-profit Friends of Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation on Saturday, June 15, 2019, for a fun-filled day of celebrating preservation in Cedar Rapids. The Preservation Showcase will include walking tours of buildings, bus tours with historian Mark Stoffer Hunter, a window repair workshop class, and an awards ceremony celebrating achievements in preservation. The Showcase is from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Turner Alley, located in the alley on the 800 block between 1st and 2nd Avenue.

BRINGING THE

best OF

NT E M IN A T R E T N E e v li R RAPIDS TO CEDA

Event details and a schedule can be found at www.friendsofcedarrapidshistoricpreservation.org

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HISTORY PRESERVED

CITY HALL'S

TRANSFORMATIVE STORY

N

estled against the Cedar River and a stone’s throw away from the iconic Tree of Five Seasons sculpture, City Hall stands as the last addition to the May’s Island Historic District. The Federal Building uniquely sits on the riverbank instead of on May’s Island, oriented toward First Street as it welcomes visitors to its doors.

Built in 1933, the building was architecturally designed in Classical Revival style to complement the Linn County Courthouse and Veterans Memorial buildings constructed a few years earlier on May’s Island. The building was added to the National Register in 1978 for both architectural significance and as an example of creative urban planning.

Over time, the building has served as both a Post Office and Federal Courthouse before being renovated to historic standards and transforming into Cedar Rapids’ first City Hall building. Visitors can find remnants of both uses throughout the building to this day.

Federal Courthouse c. 1940, now Cedar Rapids City Hall

HISTORIC TRANSFORMATION Plans were laid in the 1990s for the General Services Administration to trade the building with the City of Cedar Rapids in exchange for nearby land where they could build a more secure facility for the Federal Courthouse. The building was acquired by the City in August 2010; a conservation agreement was included in the transfer, requiring the City to renovate the building to historic standards monitored by the State Historic Preservation Office.

Plans were quickly executed to allow the return of local government to downtown in a completely updated facility. Restoration efforts began in 2011, which utilized federal and state historic tax credits, and focused on rehabilitating 2008 flood damage and simultaneously preserving historic elements. The process included updating the building’s mechanical, electrical, and technological components.

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Transforming the building into City Hall required creativity in keeping its historic elements preserved. Much care was taken to retain historic features whenever possible, including vaults, original wood windows, the bank of mailboxes that originally served the building during its days as a post office, historic doors and hallways, and perhaps most visually stunning — the Great Depression-era murals in the main courtroom (now Council Chambers).

Following restoration efforts, City offices moved into the new building and marked the official opening with a community

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ribbon cutting on June 26, 2012. The restoration efforts won the American Public Works Association “Project of the Year” award in 2012.

“One of the most heartwarming parts of this transformation has been seeing the reaction from visitors who used to work in the building during its days as a Federal Courthouse,” said Sandi Fowler, Deputy City Manager. “I have had the privilege of hearing many wonderful stories from visitors who share memories of their time working for court and federal public officials, and witnessing their pleasure at seeing the building so beautifully restored.”

Today, visitors come to City Hall to attend City Council meetings and to access the offices of the Mayor and City Manager, as well as the Community Development Department, Finance Department, Human Resources Department, City Attorney, and City Clerk.

GREENE SQUARE W hile it seems appropriately named for a square block of park space in the center of Cedar Rapids, Greene Square was named for Judge George Greene who donated the block to the newly chartered town of Cedar Rapids. At the time Greene donated it, he stipulated that the land was to be used in perpetuity as a public square and open greenspace.

The park wasn’t always known as Greene Square; it has gone by several names including Franklin Square and Washington Square. It was formally renamed after its donor in 1906.

Over 176 years, the park has undergone multiple improvement phases. At times, some have questioned the best use of this space, yet dedication to its original purpose has remained.

In its earliest development as a park, it was transformed from a sandy, hilly block overgrown with cottonwood trees, to a public gathering space for social, recreational, and political functions. Amenities that supported its

use as a gathering space have included a bandstand and a stone pavilion. An elaborate fountain was part of the park in the early 1900s. A diagonal pathway was constructed to connect the residential areas to the south and east and the train depot to the west.

The most recent investment in the park was completed in 2016 following a $1.9 million restoration that created a connection between the art museum and the public library. With input from the public, the improvements retained the historic diagonal pathway through the park. Quadrants of flexible green space were incorporated to maintain the goal of public gathering spaces.

Choices in design and materials reflect the park’s history. The water spray feature was designed to be reminiscent of a railroad track, reflecting on the park’s proximity to the former train depot. The curved seat walls, made from iron wood, came from accounts of politicians who would use Greene Square as a place to stump. The seat walls allow people to enjoy the shade from 100-year-old trees without damaging their root zones.

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While the park has continued to evolve to suit modern needs, including Wi-Fi capability, a dedication to the founder’s intent and vision remains within a square block of green space in Cedar Rapids.

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HISTORY PRESERVED

THROUGH THESE HALLS The Cedar Rapids Water Company dates back to 1875, a time when water was used for fighting fires and the thought of water at the tap was a luxury. For the past 90 years, the J Avenue Water Treatment Plant — known for its castle-like tower puncturing the skyline behind Cedar Lake — has purified the bulk of the City’s water supply.

W

hen starting his work each day at the J Avenue Water

Chicago architect

Treatment Plant, City of Cedar Rapids Water Utility

Victor Andre

Plant Manager Tariq Baloch takes a trip back in time.

Matteson, then a member of the American Water Works Association known

Welcomed through the building’s ornate, Gothic Revival

for his water plant designs, drafted the 1929 blueprints

foyer, and passing the 1930s-era high service pumping

for the facility. Its distinctive, stately semblance continues

station on the way to his office, Baloch often pauses a

to serve as an expression of Cedar Rapids residents’ high

moment to reflect upon the Water division’s rich past and

regard for high-quality water.

his commitment to the residents and customers he serves.

Continuing down the hall to the filter gallery — a series

“This plant symbolizes one of our greatest natural

of chambers filled with sand that aid in the purification of

resources. Walking through the building gives you a sense

the City’s water supply — the treatment plant has grown

of the magnitude of the critical work our Water employees

with the demands of a growing Cedar Rapids. Each new

perform and how important it is for our residents and

addition reflects design trends of the era in which they

customers that we get it right every minute of the day,”

were constructed.

Baloch remarks. “There’s very little that compares to it.”

The central corridor at the J Avenue Water Treatment Plant is akin to a walking time capsule. Construction techniques and furnishings reflect the period in which they were added. Cedar Rapids earned recognition as one of the first American cities to adopt rapid sand filtration, which transformed murky waters from the Cedar River into potable water at a time when the city drew its source water directly from the river.

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In 2017, the City began work on a phased project to update

Phase II work is currently underway. “It’s

the filter galleries and improve plant infrastructure well

like trying to work on the engine of an

past intended life expectancy. While some structures

airplane while you’re flying,” says Hershner.

have seen updates in recent years, many have remained

Some of the most critical plant elements

untouched for decades — in some cases, since the plant

are original to the facility and haven’t been

went into service in 1930.

significantly renovated in nearly 90 years.

“This will truly modernize the facility, enhance resiliency,

Repairs are challenging, as they require

and allow us to continue to put the historic plant to great

the construction of alternate capacity

use,” says Steve Hershner, Utilities Director, who, like

arrangements before systems can go

Baloch, has a long history with the Utilities Department.

offline for maintenance. There are only

Hershner has been with the City for 28 years, and Baloch

a few months where the weather allows

since 1989. They share a sense of urgency for the important

for work to be accomplished, from mid-

upgrades underway, informed by their years of experience

October to mid March. Then the plant

with plant operations.

needs to be ready for full production capacity during the warmer season.

PRESERVING HISTORY, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE While the building’s historical,

During the current phase of construction, basins that

ornamental design has

soften the city’s water will be drained, concrete work will

been preserved throughout

be replaced, and new clarifiers will be installed, replacing

the process, a refresh

equipment that has been in use for several decades. Future

of the plant’s underlying

phases of the project will substantially refurbish the 1929-

technologies is welcome. “In

era filters, which remove suspended matter from the water.

some elements of the plant we’re still using valves, filters, and other components that were designed in the 1920s,” explains Bruce Jacobs, Utilities Engineering Manager. “Those components have served us well, but these efforts to modernize the plant will make it reliable far into the future.”

New installation is state of the art, and the improvements

When it powered up in 1930, then called the Cedar Rapids Water Works, the facility served 56,000 residents. The total cost of construction was $660,000. Today, the facility serves the majority of the water distribution system, providing 40+ million gallons per day capacity for water treatment essential to the City’s more than 130,000 residents, industrial users, and the greater community. The plant’s replacement value rings in at an estimated $450 million.

will make future maintenance more efficient while

“This facility has served us for ninety years,” says Hershner.

keeping more of the plant’s capacity online during the

“Ongoing investments ensure the city has safe, reliable,

course of work.

great-tasting water for years to come.”

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HISTORY PRESERVED

DEDICATION TO SERVICE

W

hen the city was incorporated in 1849, John H. Brooks served as the first Cedar Rapids City Marshal. By 1883, what had begun as a one-man force had grown to include a marshal and 11 men divided up into two shifts, with both shifts working 12 hours.

In 1885, there were 1,309 arrests in the city, the highest number of arrests of any community in the state. Arrests included 334 charges for being Drunk, 319 charges for Disturbing the Peace, 1 charge of being Disobedient to Parents, 5 charges of Found Asleep in Barns, Yards and Cars, 4 charges of Spearing Fish, and several other charges that were both unique and common to the 1880s.

In 1922, the Cedar Rapids Police Department had 32 officers who worked a standard 6-day, 60-hour workweek. In 1929, the number of officers was increased and the workweek reduced to 48 hours. The number of hours per week was further reduced to 44 hours in 1958 and to 40 hours in 1960.

The Police Department was one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country to install communications equipment in police vehicles. Around 1930, radio equipment was installed in a number of Model A Fords. The equipment was constructed and designed by Police Officer Frank Bukacek.

The first police radio systems were one-way networks, which enabled dispatchers to send messages to the police cars. The police cars lacked transmitters so officers would have to drive to the nearest “call box” to call the police station for more information.

Police Officer Henry Nemec brought about an upgraded communications system that featured two-way radio communications in early 1933. Nemec became the department’s radio engineer for some 20 years and the Cedar Rapids Police Department would have some of the first two-way radio communications amongst law enforcement

In 1932, Cedar Rapids had the first police radio in the United States that was mounted on a motorcycle. The radio, which could only receive instructions from the police station, was mounted over the rear wheel in a bulky black box. The radio speaker was formed from a horn-shaped device that was fitted on top of the gas tank directly in front of the rider.

Pictured is Patrolman Albert Wilson and Public Safety Commissioner Dan Kruidenier.

agencies throughout the country. Police officers Frank Bukacek and Henry Nemec are considered pioneers for their early experimentation with mobile transmitters in Cedar Rapids police cars.

In 1941, at the start of World War II, the Police Department had 65 members, 22 of whom would leave to serve their country in the armed forces during the war.

The Police Department attracted international attention in 1968 when it developed a silent alarm system which, when activated, rang into the communications center at police headquarters. It was the first large-scale municipal crime prevention experiment of its kind under federal sponsorship.

The Police Department moved into its current location at 505 1st Street SW in 1997. There were 199 sworn officers and 64 non-sworn personnel working at the Cedar Rapids Police Station and Joint Communications Agency.

In 2018, there were over 145,000 calls for service. The Police Department has 213 sworn officers and 67 non-sworn personnel, including employees of the Joint Communications Agency and Animal Care and Control.

We would like to acknowledge Police Lieutenant Kelly Fitzpatrick for his research assistance with this article.

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Police officers have been dedicated to service since the city was incorporated in 1849. A police officer assists a citizen with crossing the street. In July 1955, a new push-button crosswalk signal with a Czech translation was installed in the 16th Avenue SW shopping district after a survey found that many older people of Czech descent could not read English and were waiting for the light to change without pushing the crosswalk button.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

150

YEARS OF

FIRE DEPARTMENT HISTORY

The Cedar Rapids City Council passed an ordinance that established the Fire Department on February 12, 1869.

Individual volunteer fire companies, including 260 volunteer firefighters, served the community until June 23, 1894, when a paid, professional fire department consisting of 7 men was created.

Throughout its history, the department has responded to large factory and industrial building fires as well as residential fires and incidents throughout the neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids. By mid-century, the number of seriously monumental fires seemed to taper off, especially with a focus on community fire-risk reduction programs like smoke alarm installations and fire safety inspections. Today’s fire service responds to all hazards including emergency medical calls and traumatic injuries, hazardous materials spills or leaks, and other high-risk rescues.

On August 7, 1894, the BohemianAmerican Hose Company disbanded after 16 years of service. The company was established in 1878

by J.W. Kouba by a special act of the City Council who permitted the volunteer company to conduct their meetings in the Bohemian language and become members of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. Even though the volunteers disbanded because a unified, paid department was established for the city, the BohemianAmerican Hose Company volunteers pledged that they were “ready and willing at all times to give a helping hand to the paid department.”

On March 7, 1905, flames engulfed the American Cereal Company, a local company which would later be purchased by Quaker Oats. Spontaneous combustion caused an explosion in the hull grinding room and the factory burned at an alarming rate — the second major fire to occur to the company in less than five years. The fire department responded promptly and was able to contain the fire to the mill, but the building was completely destroyed within four hours.

Learn more about the history of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department by visiting the fire museum at the Central Fire Station, 713 1st Avenue SE. There is an interactive digital kiosk, firefighting gear, and photographs of significant fires and events throughout the past 150 years.

Open House Celebration The Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, June 15, 2019, from 10 a.m. to Noon to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Fire Department. In addition, all fire stations throughout the City will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 5, 2019, from 8 a.m. to Noon during Fire Prevention Week to commemorate 150 years of firefighting in Cedar Rapids. Please visit the Fire Department page on the City website at www.cedar-rapids.org/fire and on the Fire Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cedarrapidsfiredepartment for other activities and events planned throughout the year as we celebrate a century and a half of service to the community.

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TIME TO STEP UP YOUR

THE

VERY GOOD DOGS of the

FIRE DEPARTMENT

MONDAY

GAME?

JOE

MOE

BELL

MATILDA

SIREN

EMBER

I Find your next opportunity on

CorridorCareers.com

t is unknown when exactly the tradition of having a dog in the fire station began, but today it seems like a fire department isn't complete without a dog. During the 1700s and 1800s, when fire equipment and carts were pulled by horses, energetic canines were used as protection on a fire call, running alongside the horses, clearing their path and guiding them to the scene of the fire.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department has had its fair share of fire dogs over the years. Joe, the first canine member of the department, decided to make the station his home in 1906 and never missed a run in ten years. Horses were retired by the 1920s, but other dogs, such as Rags, Bell, Siren, Sparky, and Lady would ride along with firefighters and became honorary members of the stations during the mid-twentieth century.

Today, dogs in the fire station are no longer used as warnings or mascots, but are trained members of the department. Moe was the Fire Department’s first canine used in fire investigations and was able to detect trace amounts of ignitable liquids. Every sample that Moe detected was confirmed by the state crime laboratory during Moe’s career. Since the early 2000s, dogs like Matilda, Ember, Star, and Moe have been trained to help in investigation, arson, and search situations.

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2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT of the

"CEDAR RAPIDS WATER COMPANY" CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS WATER DIVISION

We work around the clock to ensure your drinking water is of the highest quality. This report illustrates the scrutiny water undergoes before and after it leaves our facilities.

Serving the City of Cedar Rapids, the City of Robins, the Glenbrook Cove Subdivision of Marion and the Poweshiek Water Association.

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History

OF TH E

City Council grants franchise, and deeds land near present-day Quaker Oats, to form the Cedar Rapids Water Company.

1876

WATER DIVISION

115 years ago it took Cedar Rapids’ 28,000 citizens nearly a month to use as much water as the 2019 system can supply in a single day. When the Cedar Rapids Water Company drew the first gallon in 1875 directly from the river, 7,719 residents relied only upon its firefighting capabilities. They sourced their drinking water from private wells. By 1903, treated drinking water made its way to residents through 39 miles of pipe. Today, a network of mains totaling 660-plus miles in length distributes municipal water to more than 130 thousand residents and industrial users at up to 60 million gallons per day.

1875

Trials of the company's water capacity and firefighting strength were a public spectacle, but proved their worth on January 13, 1876 when the city experienced one of its most destructive fires ever. The fire ruined two important business blocks in the downtown. If not for the Water Works, the newspaper reported the entire business section might have been destroyed.

The system begins to supply valuable drinking water after discovery of an artesian aquifer nearly 1,200 feet under Cedar Rapids.

1888

1896

Cedar Rapids becomes one of the first American cities to adopt "rapid sand filtration,� which allowed the Company to treat water drawn directly from the Cedar River. Supply capacity grows to 2.4 million gallons per day.

Cedar Rapids taxpayers purchase the original water plant for $473,000 marking public ownership of the water utility.

1903

1922

The new Bever Park Reservoir allows water to be saved and used during high-demand without straining facilities.

A $660,000 bond issue brings the construction of a new purification and softening plant. Daily capacity increases to 12 million gallons per day.

Water is now softened to five grains per gallon.

16

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1929

A $5,885 master chlorinator, used in conjunction with a new ammoniator, addresses recurring odor and taste issues.

Public controversy ensues over the City’s decision to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote dental health by preventing cavities. Complaining phone callers told of horses that would not drink and parakeets who became unaccountably silent overnight, indicative of the confusion in the community. Callers were informed firmly, but politely, that the odd behavior so described could not be due to fluoride, as it had not yet been added to the system. Fluoride was later added to the treatment process with little fanfare and the debate was slowly forgotten. Years later, independent studies conducted by various research groups would reveal no negative effects from drinking fluoridated water.

New filters and infrastructure additions at the J Avenue plant increase system capacity to 40 million gallons per day.

Northwest Water Treatment Plant comes online at Ellis Road, along with the City's first two horizontal collector wells, raising nominal water plant capacity to 60 million gallons per day—more than 25 times the capacity of 100 years earlier.

Horizontal Collector Wells 3 and 4 come online.

1951 1952

1963

1969

2003 2008

Service, capacity, and capability improvements are implemented at J Avenue Plant. Regulatory requirements change for the City’s source water, prompting the addition of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection treatment at both water plants.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department earns an improved rating of 2/2X for fire insurance, placing the City in the top three percent of all communities nationwide for its fire suppression delivery system.

The East Well Field was constructed and placed in service, followed by construction of the West Well Field throughout the 1960s and the Seminole Park Well Field in the 1970s. With new vertical wells, the Water Division suspended the practice of taking water directly from the river — allowing for it to be filtered by alluvial sand first — improving taste and odor issues.

1995

2010

A drought begins to affect the capacity of the city water supply. Work with the United States Geological Survey's Water Resources group has helped the Water division better understand how the aquifer supplying city water is replenished, and a new aquifer system model will better position the City to prepare for future droughts.

Additions to the J Avenue Water Plant double capacity from 12 to 24 million gallons per day. The plant was dedicated to H.F. Blomquist, who planned and constructed the original J Avenue Plant, made many improvements to the distribution system, and planned the new addition.

He retired shortly after the beginning of construction.

1950

A historic, record flood temporarily shuts down 49 of the 50 wells that supply the city's water. A heroic response to help sandbagging efforts by nearly 1,000 citizens preserved the last functioning well. With assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Water division later raised the height of every affected vertical well to a level higher than the flood. The project also raised electrical equipment for each horizontal collector well to protect from future flood damage.

2012

2018

Today

If you drink it; flush it; throw it away, recycle, or compost it, almost 250 employees take care of you every day in Cedar Rapids. Today, the Cedar Rapids Water division operates under the Utilities Department. Photographed are Water Utility Plant Manager Tariq Baloch and Water Plant Operations Manager Kathy Bierman in today’s updated J Avenue Water Treatment Plant.

Future Work is underway to renew the J Avenue Water Treatment Plant. The new Kirkwood Boulevard tank and associated system improvements will improve resilience in water supply for the south end of the city and prepare for growth. Improvements planned for the Northwest Water Treatment Plant will improve its reliable capacity and resilience. These and many other efforts will position the City for continuing 144 years more service.

W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G

17

WHERE

The City of Cedar Rapids obtains its drinking water supplies from shallow vertical and collector wells constructed in the sand and gravel deposits along the Cedar River. Those deposits form an underground water-bearing layer called an alluvial aquifer.

Because of continuous pumping of the City’s wells, most of the water in the aquifer is pulled from the river.

OUR WATER

COMES FROM

The rest of the water is supplied as water percolates up from a deeper bedrock aquifer or down from the top of the ground.

Our drinking water from those wells benefits from natural filtration through the riverbank. This natural sand filtration has proven to be a beneficial pretreatment to water before it reaches the City’s two conventional lime-softening facilities.

How We Protect the Quality of Our Drinking Water The Cedar Rapids Water Division continues to work with state and federal agencies to monitor and assess our watershed. The Cedar River watershed covers more than 6,500 square miles upstream of Cedar Rapids and extends into southern Minnesota. Source water assessment identifies potential sources of contamination to the water we use to treat for drinking water purposes.

Although efforts are made on many fronts, farm-field runoff continues to be a primary concern and risk for contamination of our source water. We continue to actively monitor the watershed and have initiated a watershed protection program.

18

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How We Treat Our Water Our treatment process involves a multibarrier approach to protect our drinking water from the source to your tap. This includes source water monitoring; well-head protection; treatment processes of softening, filtration and disinfection; and distribution-system monitoring and maintenance.

Educational Information NITRATE

A nitrate is a dissolved form of nitrogen found in fertilizers and sewage byproducts that may leach into groundwater and other water sources. Nitrates occur naturally in some waters. Over time, nitrates can accumulate in aquifers and contaminate groundwater.

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a potential health risk for infants 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, ask for advice from your health care provider.

LEAD

Our drinking water contains little or no lead when it leaves our treatment plants. However, lead can leach into the water during overnight contact with the lead solder and brass faucets in some homes. Because of that, the Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) collects and analyzes special samples quarterly from area homes to more frequently monitor the distribution system. Our tests show that most homes are at or well below the 15 parts per billion (ppb) — or 15 micrograms per liter of water — treatment technique standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for annual compliance monitoring.

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. The CRWD 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 and 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 (1-800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The following state-approved laboratories can test your water for lead: State Hygienic Laboratory: Oakdale, IA | 800-421-4692 TestAmerica: Cedar Falls, IA | 319-277-2401 Keystone Labs: Newton, IA | 641-792-8451

AT-RISK POPULATIONS

It's important to be aware that some people may be more vulnerable than the general population to contaminants in drinking water. Immuno-compromised persons — those undergoing cancer chemo-therapy or organ transplants, some elderly or infants and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders — can be particularly at risk from infections. We ask anyone that may be at risk to seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Guidelines from the EPA and Centers for Disease Control on appropriate steps to lessen the risk of infection by microbial contaminants and/or Cryptosporidium are available from the National Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or concerns about our water quality or this report, we invite you to attend one of two upcoming public meetings: Saturday, June 1 8 a.m. - Noon, Downtown Farmers' Market Thursday, June 27 5 - 6 p.m., NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St. SE

$

1

4.3

$

.00

880

WATER

VALUE

Cedar Rapids residents enjoy water rates that are among the lowest in the state.

W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G

PER 1,000 GALLONS FROM CITY

PER 1,000 GALLONS PURCHASED AT THE STORE (AT $.88/GALLON)

19

Water Quality Findings This table summarizes required water quality monitoring results for regulated parameters that were detected in the 2018 calendar year. A comprehensive report of all water quality testing is available from the Water Division.

WAT E R T R E AT ME NT PLANTS - FINISHE D W AT E R INORGANIC CHEMICALS UNITS

J AVE. PLANT MCL

VIOLATION

MCLG

RANGE

NW PLANT

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

Arsenic

μg/L

10

0

No

ND - 0.77

0.54

ND - 0.67

0.38

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes

Nitrate

mg/L

10

10

No

1.66 - 5.04

5.04

2.47 - 5.28

5.28

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

Nitrite

mg/L

1

1

No

ND - 0.06

0.06

ND - 0.04

0.04

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

Sodium

mg/L

NA

NA

No

NA

8.6

NA

7.9

Erosion of natural deposits; added to water during treatment process

Fluoride

mg/L

4

4

No

0.15 - 0.98

0.68

0.11 - 0.93

0.66

Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

ORGANIC CHEMICALS Toluene

mg/L

1

1

No

ND - 0.0005

0.0005

NA

ND

Discharge from petroleum factories.

J Ave Plant Detect from 2016, 2018 result = ND

Atrazine

μg/L

3

3

No

ND - 0.50

0.10

ND - 0.50

0.09

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

RADIONUCLIDES Combined Radium

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

1.1

NA

ND

Erosion of natural deposits.

J Ave Plant Detect from 2017, 2018 result = ND

Radium -226

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

ND

NA

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Radium -228

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

0.7

NA

0.8

Erosion of natural deposits.

NW Plant Detect from 2017, 2018 result = ND

Gross Alpha

pCi/L

15

0

No

NA

ND

NA

0.7

Erosion of natural deposits.

NW Plant Detect from 2015, 2018 result = ND

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

1.00 - 3.03

1.57

0.28 - 2.91

1.33

TREATMENT TECHNIQUE INDICATORS Total Organic Carbon

Turbidity

Removal Credits

TT

NA

No

NTU

TT

NA

No

Naturally present in the environment

Running Annual Average TOC Credits must be > 1.0 0.15

0.04 - 0.15

Cannot exceed 1.0 NTU & Monthly no more than 5% > 0.3 NTU

0.19

0.02 - 0.19

% > 0.3 NTU

% > 0.3 NTU

0

0

Soil runoff

D IS TRIBUTIO N SYSTE M MO NITO R ING LEAD AND COPPER RULE

UNITS

ACTION LEVEL (AL)

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

90th PERCENTILE

95th PERCENTILE

SAMPLES EXCEEDING AL

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

Lead

μg/L

15

0

NO

0.1 - 44.1

1.7

32.2

3

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Copper

mg/L

1.3

1.3

NO

0.0029 0.2200

0.0643

0.0771

0

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

REVISED TOTAL COLIFORM RULE

JAN

FEB

MAR

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Total # Samples/Month

108

108

108

108

108

108

108

108

108

109

108

108

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

# Positive Coliform Samples/Month Level 1 Assessment Required

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Meets Monthly MCL of <5% Positive Coliform/Month

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

DISINFECTANT & DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS UNITS Total Chlorine Residual

MRDL

MRDLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

REPORTED

mg/L

4

4

NO

0.8 - 3.9

3.4

UNITS

MCL

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

REPORTED

Water additive used to control microbial growth

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

μg/L

80

NA

NO

ND - 5.0

3.8*

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

μg/L

60

NA

NO

ND - 7.0

1.8*

By-product of drinking water disinfection *Highest Locational Running Annual Average at Site DB02

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UNREGULAT E D A N D S E C O N D A R Y C H E MIC A L S INORGANIC CHEMICALS

J AVE. PLANT

NW PLANT

UNITS

MCL

MCLG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

Chloride

mg/L

NA

250

20.4 - 34.0

27.0

18.8 - 43.5

25.4

Copper

mg/L

NA

1.0

0.0026 - 0.0083

0.0038

0.0011 - 0.0120

0.0070

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Manganese

mg/L

NA

0.05

0.0101 - 0.0431

0.0181

ND - 0.0014

0.0004

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Sulfate

mg/L

NA

250

19.1 - 39.5

27.2

18.2 - 40.3

26.3

Zinc

mg/L

NA

5

0.1550 - 0.2220

0.1899

0.1650 - 0.2480

0.2136

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

1.3 - 2.1

1.7

2.1 - 3.5

2.7

ORGANIC CHEMICALS Chloroform

μg/L

NA

70

Bromodichloromethane

μg/L

NA

0

NA

ND

ND - 0.8

0.3

Dichloroacetic Acid

μg/L

NA

0

3.0 - 4.0

3.2

2.0 - 5.0

3.5

Trichloroacetic Acid

μg/L

NA

20

NA

ND

ND - 1.0

0.2

Metolachlor

μg/L

NA

NA

ND - 0.40

0.18

ND - 0.50

0.20

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

43 - 80

72

ND - 39

28

RADIONUCLIDES Radon

pCi/L

NA

NA

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT Erosion of natural deposits, run-off

Erosion of natural deposits Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Run-off from fertilizer used on row crops

Erosion of natural deposits

UNREGULATED CON T A MIN A N T MO N IT O R IN G R U L E ( U C MR ) 2 NITROSAMINE COMPOUNDS

J AVE. DISTRIBUTION AREA

J AVE. TREATMENT PLANT

EPA Method 521 N-nitroso- dimethyl amine (NDMA) µg/L

NW PLANT DISTRIBUTION AREA

NW TREATMENT PLANT

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

0.0032 - 0.0056

0.004

0.0038 - 0.0059

0.005

ND - 0.0027

0.001

ND - 0.0097

0.005

NO CURRENT REGULATORY MCL - EPA Mandatory sampling and Analysis to determine contaminate occurrence nationally and establish regulatory MCL's.

AC RO NYMS

UNR EGULATED CON T AM I NAN T M O N IT O R IN G R U L E ( U C MR ) 3

J Ave. Treatment Plant J Ave. Distribution Area NW Treatment Plant NW Plant Distribution Area

1,4 Dioxane µg/L

Chromium 6+ µg/L

Total Chromium µg/L

Total Molybdenum µg/L

Total Strontium µg/L

Total Vanadium µg/L

Six Specific Perfluorinated Compounds µg/L

Method

EPA 522

EPA 218.7

EPA 200.8

EPA 200.8

EPA 200.8

EPA 200.8

EPA 537

Range

ND - 0.12

1.3 - 2.0

1.5 - 1.9

1.0 - 1.7

58 - 69

0.95 - 1.5

ND

NR: Not Regulated

Average

0.030

1.7

1.7

1.4

64

1.2

ND

Range

NA

1.3 - 1.9

1.5 - 1.8

1.1 - 1.7

55 - 69

0.94 - 1.5

ND

mg/L: Milligrams per liter or parts per million

Average

NA

1.7

1.7

1.5

63.5

1.2

ND

Range

ND - 0.078

1.4 - 1.9

1.6 - 2.1

ND - 1.3

69 - 75

1.1 - 1.2

ND

Average

0.038

1.6

1.8

0.88

73.3

1.2

ND

Range

NA

1.3 - 1.8

1.5 - 2.0

1.1 - 1.6

63 - 70

1.1 - 1.3

ND

Average

NA

1.6

1.7

1.5

66

1.2

ND

MCL

NA

NA

100

NA

NA

NA

NA

NO CURRENT REGULATORY MCL - EPA Mandatory sampling and Analysis to determine contaminate occurrence nationally and establish regulatory MCL's.

AVG: Average ND: Not Detected MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level

μg/L: Micrograms per liter or parts per billion pCi/L: Picocuries per liter MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal NA: Not Applicable NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal

Source Water Assessment Information: This water supply obtains its water from the sand and gravel of the Alluvial aquifer of the Cedar River. The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the aquifer characteristics and the 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 the source water supply was completed by the IDNR, and is available by contacting the public water supply at 319-286-5975. Information about work being done to help minimize contamination of the source water supply can be found at www.cityofcr.com/mcpp.

Arsenic µg/L

Total Coliform cfu/100ml

E.coli cfu/100ml

Lead µg/L

Copper µg/L

Zinc µg/L

Manganese µg/L

Iron µg/L

Sodium mg/L

Nitrate mg/L

TOC mg/L

2016 Annual Average

3.05

33

<1

ND

6.8

2.1

166.0

63.4

9.2

5.5

2.56

2017 Annual Average

1.25

65

<1

0.37

8.8

4.4

170.3

110.6

9.5

4

1.94

2018 Annual Average

0.84

35

<1

0.05

4.2

2.2

170.9

49.4

10.0

3.6

2.27

The following is an important message from the Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking water, including bottled water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. That’s because as the water we draw from — lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells — travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it picks up naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting the website at www.epa.gov/ogwdw. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing W Wwhich W . Ccan E Dcause A R -symptoms R A P I Dsuch S . OasR nausea, G organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.

21

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardness of Cedar Rapids water?

Cedar Rapids water is considered moderately hard, with values of 6-8 grains per gallon or 100-140 mg/L total hardness as calcium carbonate.

Glossary

Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

What is the fluoride concentration and why is it added?

Fluoride is added during the treatment process to help prevent dental cavities. The optimal concentration is maintained at 0.7 parts per million (ppm) with a range of 0.6-0.9 ppm as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Repair crews attempt to reach all homes, businesses, and apartments prior to shutting off water, except under emergency situations. The crews leave an information sheet (door hanger) at the property which explains what to do if water is shut off. It generally takes repair crews 8-12 hours to fix a break and restore water service. If air or particles are coming out of your drinking tap, run water for several minutes to flush the line.

My toilet tank and inside of my dishwasher are stained dark brown to black. Is my water safe to drink?

The dark staining is likely due to the corrosion-control chemical added during treatment. Its purpose is to lay a protective coating on the insides of pipes so water never comes in contact with the pipe, thereby reducing the risk of dissolving lead or copper into the drinking water. It has been tested extensively and no health or safety concerns have been identified.

In most cases, it takes another two days for a bacterial contamination sample to return. If the sample shows no contamination in the water, another information sheet is issued, indicating an All Clear. Information will be posted to the City’s website (CityofCR.com) if a precautionary boil advisory notice is issued.

My water throughout the entire house tastes and smells musty or stale.

Is it OK to drink?

Sometimes in low-use areas or dead-end main areas, the water does not get circulated as it should. Where this is the case, the distribution crew can be notified to flush hydrants in the area to help bring in fresh water.

Arsenic: The EPA recently lowered the arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) to 10 ppb. Trace amounts of arsenic are occasionally detected in your drinking water at levels well below this more stringent standard. Arsenic is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Coliform: A bacteria originating in the digestive system of mammals. Its presence in water alerts lab technicians that disease-causing agents may be present.

Compliance: Following all rules and regulations defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act and maintaining water quality below MCLs. Contaminant: One of a variety of natural or manmade physical, chemical, biological or radiological substances whose presence in public water systems may cause adverse health effects to consumers.

Detection: The positive identification of the presence of a particular contaminant. Detection of a contaminant does not necessarily represent a serious health risk to consumers if the concentration is below the MCL. Disinfection: Killing the larger portion of microorganisms in water, with the probability that the disinfecting agent kills all disease-causing bacteria.

Drought: A period of unusually persistent dry weather that persists long enough to cause serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply shortages.

Filtration: A treatment process that physically removes particles from water as the water passes through a medium.

Groundwater: The supply of fresh water found beneath the earth’s surface, usually in aquifers.

Groundwater is often used to supply wells and springs.

Herbicide: A chemical agent used to kill plants, especially weeds. Used widely in agriculture.

Immunocompromised: A physical condition in which the human immune system becomes less capable of warding off illness or infection.

Inorganic: Composed of or involving organisms (or their remains or products) that are not living.

Examples of inorganic substances include minerals, rocks and salt.

22

What should I expect if my water is shut off due to a water main break?

Water main breaks are often indicated by a lack of water at the tap or water bubbling to the surface of neighborhood streets. This may prompt a water service disruption to your home or business.

If you receive a precautionary boil advisory notice, follow these steps before consuming tap water: 1) bring water to a boil; 2) let water boil rapidly for at least one minute; 3) allow water to completely cool before consuming; 4) check City website for advisory status updates, or call Water Customer Service at 319-286-5900.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (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.

Maximum Residual Disinfection 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.

Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of 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.

Microbial: A group of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU): A unit of measure used to determine the clarity of drinking water.

Organic: Of, pertaining to or derived from living organisms. Organic matter contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Examples include humans, plants and animals.

Particulates: Of or relating to minute separate particles.

Pesticides: Any substance or chemical applied to kill or control pests, including weeds, insects, algae, rodents and other undesirable agents.

Radionuclides: Naturally occurring and humanmade radionuclides are present throughout the environment. They are found in varying amounts in soil, water, indoor and outdoor air—and even within our bodies—making exposure inevitable.

State and Federal regulations establish safe drinking water maximum contaminant levels for a variety of radionuclides. Monitored contaminants include Gross Alpha Radiation, Radium-226, Radium-228, and Combined Radium radionuclides. The existing treatment process does not reduce or remove these contaminants. Except in extreme circumstances, radiation resulting from the ingestion of radionuclides in drinking water is far lower than radiation resulting from other sources of exposure, like radon found in some basements. Radon is a radionuclide classified as an unregulated contaminant. During the aeration treatment stage, radon can be removed from

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the water source. Additional information about Radon and aeration is included in this report. The concentration of radionuclides found in our water is well within safe regulatory guidelines.

Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that you can’t see, taste or smell. It is found throughout the United States. Radon is a known human carcinogen.

Breathing air containing radon can lead to lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Radon can also be released into indoor air from tap water when showering, washing dishes, and performing other household activities. A radon level less than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) is considered safe.

Between 0.0019 – 0.0070 pCi/L of radon may enter the air from City tap water — far less than radon entering homes through the foundation. Fix your home if the level of radon in your air is 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or higher. There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren’t too costly. If you are concerned about radon in your home, test the air in your home.

Testing is inexpensive and easy.

For additional information, call your state radon program (800-838-5992) or the EPA’s Radon Hotline (800-767-7236).

Surface water: All water naturally open to the atmosphere and all springs, wells or other collectors that are directly influenced by surface water. Water located close to the earth’s surface.

Total Organic Carbon (TOC): Amount of carbon found in an organic compound; used as an indicator of water quality.

Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR): Revised compliance rule that aims to increase public health protection through reduction of pathways for contamination; find-fix-document.

Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Turbidity: Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. Turbidity is a good indicator of treatment filter performance and is regulated as a Treatment Technique.

Violation: Exceeding the MCL of a contaminant regulated by the federal government; failure to properly monitor or report regulated contaminants would also be considered a violation.

CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY CITY SERVICE

LOCATION

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Animals

900 76 Avenue Drive SW

319-286-5993

AnimalControlMgmt@Cedar-Rapids.org

Assessor

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5888

CRAssessor@Cedar-Rapids.org

Bid Opportunities

City Hall, 101 1 Street SE

319-286-5021

Bid-Purchasing@Cedar-Rapids.org

Building and Housing Codes

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5831

Building@Cedar-Rapids.org

Buses

Ground Transportation Center, 450 1st Street SE

319-286-5573

CRTransit@Cedar-Rapids.org

Fire Safety Inspections

713 1st Avenue SE

319-286-5166

CRFire@Cedar-Rapids.org

Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection

City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW

319-286-5897

SolidWaste&Recycling@Cedar-Rapids.org

Housing Assistance Programs

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

319-286-5872

HSG-Admin@Cedar-Rapids.org

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Land Development

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City Hall, 101 1 Street SE

319-286-5822

DevelopmentServices@Cedar-Rapids.org

Park Rentals

Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Potholes and Street Maintenance

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5826

Street@Cedar-Rapids.org

Recreation Programs

Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Sewer Backup or Problems

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5815

Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org

Traffic Signals, Signs and Markings

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5176

Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org

Utility Billing

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

319-286-5900

WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org

For more information about the City of Cedar Rapids and its services, call 319-286-5080 or visit www.cedar-rapids.org.

CITY COUNCIL

To leave a message for a City Council member, call 319-286-5051.

Find your district at www.linncountyelections.org.

MAYOR

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 2

b.hart@cedar-rapids.org

m.hoeger@cedar-rapids.org

s.overland@cedar-rapids.org

Brad Hart

DISTRICT 3

Dale Todd

dalet@cedar-rapids.org

Martin Hoeger

Scott Overland

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org

a.vanorny@cedar-rapids.org

Scott Olson

Ashley Vanorny

AT LARGE

AT LARGE

AT LARGE

t.olson@cedar-rapids.org

ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org

s.weinacht@cedar-rapids.org

Tyler Olson

Ann Poe

W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G

Susie Weinacht

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WHAT’S THE VALUE OF WATER? Splashing in a pool, tossing a water balloon—water is one of life’s great pleasures.

Most of us never think about how water gets to us or where it goes when it swirls down the drain. Luckily, we don’t have to. Pumps, treatment plants, and pipes bring us clean water and remove wastewater.

But our water systems need investment so they can continue to deliver life’s most precious resource. All day, every day.

Water—Essential. Reliable. Invaluable.

Learn how water works for you. Visit TheValueofWater.org.

#ValueWater

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Presented in cooperation with the Value of Water coalition OUR CR

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