Our CR - May 2022 by City of Cedar Rapids

CIT Y OF CEDAR R APIDS | MAY 2022

Welcome is Our Language Creating and promoting an inclusive community

2021 Water Quality Report PAGE 15

2021

Water Quali ty Report Our water quality efforts start upstream, where we work to prevent contamin from getting ants into the source water. The City collabora tes with many partners to help protect our precious water resources as it heads downstre am, reaches our wells, and flows through your tap. Cedar is committed Rapids to providing safe, clean drinking water when our consume rs need it, today and into the future. Find out more about our water quality efforts inside. www.CityofCR.com/W

aterReport

Serving the City of Cedar Rapids, Subdivision of the City of Robins,

CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS

Marion and the the Glenbrook Large photo: Poweshiek Water Silver Creek Oxbow Cove River; 2) One Association. of Cedar Rapids' at the NW Water Plant, one of vertical wells to pump ground many restored oxbows in Linn County water, influenced Inset photos by the Cedar River to the treatment from top to bottom: 1) Tributary from plant; 3) Cedar field runoff as Rapids J Ave. it enters the Water Treatment Cedar Plant

MAY 2022

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s the second-largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a hub for arts, culture, food, recreation and history. Entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and skilled workers transform this city into a place where all can be their best selves. You don’t have to look hard to find stories of resilience and inclusiveness in Cedar Rapids. Our residents are fast to lend a hand to support neighbors, local businesses, and visitors. We come together despite our differences. In Cedar Rapids, welcome isn’t only a word — it’s a way of life. While we have reason to celebrate our progress, we must also focus on opportunities to improve. The City of Cedar Rapids structures its processes to invite every resident to come together, share ideas, and impact our momentum. As you will learn in this issue, we are engaged with several partners to shine a spotlight on efforts to grow as an accessible community where all can live, work and thrive. So whether you’ve lived here eight months — or eight decades — you belong in Cedar Rapids. I invite you all to join me in advancing a community where new ideas, growth, diversity and inclusion are not only welcome in words, but shown in our actions. In Cedar Rapids, Welcome is Our Language.

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

Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager

his spring, Cedar Rapids kicks off a campaign that celebrates the warm and inviting way we welcome people to participate fully in our community called “Welcome is Our Language.” The campaign acknowledges that diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and philosophies benefit everyone in Cedar Rapids. The differences between us provide opportunities for understanding, growth, and ingenuity that help us solve problems and create a better place for people to live, work, and play. This edition of the Our CR magazine highlights some of the areas where the City prioritizes and demonstrates inclusivity and equity. “I ask everyone to understand what they are consuming as they live their everyday lives. What content are you watching and listening to every day? Where do you purchase your goods and services, and who is in your social circle? Consider how you can bring different perspectives into your life. If you have influence over others, use your influence to make sure you are connecting opportunities with individuals who may not think like you, look like you, or have a similar background as you. If you find yourself underrepresented, know that your voice matters, and speak up when you want to provide a different perspective in a room. We are in a new climate where people are listening to voices that may not have been listened to in the past,” said Elizabeth Buch, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Welcoming Week: September 9–18, 2022 Welcoming Week is an annual, nationwide celebration designated to recognize immigrants and refugees and acknowledge the role communities play in fostering inclusion. Welcoming Week is one of many initiatives Cedar Rapids supports in order to create and promote an inclusive community. In Cedar Rapids, Welcoming Week celebrates how citizens of all backgrounds can come together to create a stronger, more prosperous community. Cedar Rapids participated in our first Welcoming Week in 2018.

Many local organizations host fun and educational events for Welcoming Week each year. Anyone interested in hosting a Welcoming Week 2022 event is encouraged to participate. Visit the Cedar Rapids Tourism events calendar and select “Welcoming Week” to see a full list of community activities happening each September and to add your events. Through Welcoming Week activities, we can make Cedar Rapids more welcoming to newcomers and everyone who calls our community home. To learn more about this nationwide celebration, visit WelcomingAmerica.org.

WELCOME IS OUR LANGUAGE

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

he City of Cedar Rapids has been advancing toward equity and inclusivity for many years. Last fall, the City made the decision to commit time, energy, and resources to become an even more inclusive organization by adding Elizabeth Buch as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager.

A daughter of Mexican immigrants, Buch began understanding different perspectives at a young age. She moved to Cedar Rapids in 2013, knowing she wanted to pursue something that had meaning and aligned with her values and perspectives. Elizabeth graduated from Kirkwood Community College with an associate’s degree and Mount Mercy University with undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her understanding of diversity and inclusion from a nontraditional upbringing, combined with her education and skills, propelled her into a position at Collins Aerospace that served as a focal point for diversity and corporate social responsibility. Before joining the City, she was the Cedar Rapids site manager for the nonprofit Urban Dreams, helping underrepresented individuals attain opportunities for employment and advancement within organizations.

“When we talk about the diversity of Cedar Rapids, we want to leverage diversity and all the dimensions that come with it. Someone’s background, culture, lived experience, and thoughts. We want to take an intentional approach to value the individual aspects of everyone in our organization and community,” Elizabeth said. As the new DEI Manager, Elizabeth has spent time on a listening tour, visiting with department directors and leadership teams to understand where gaps exist. She has gathered information about best practices from regional and national peers, and connected with community organizations. Those conversations drove areas of focus around inclusive cultures, workforce diversity, equitable systems, and community engagement. Following a leadership-down approach, City leaders have committed to inclusion and participated in a leadership summit.

“We are creating a wraparound understanding for each individual, team, and leader to make sure we have an internal culture that is inclusive and helps employees feel like they can thrive, trust, and connect with others in the organization,” Elizabeth said. The City is reviewing and updating current processes and practices to eliminate unnecessary barriers, be representative of the community, and support individuals with development opportunities and experiences for growth. In examining daily operations, the City wants to ensure that policies and programs operate with a focus on equity, and to think about the outcomes from different perspectives to ensure that they do not affect residents in a way that is unintended. Finally, the City will focus on proactively engaging the community to understand needs and make sure all voices are heard. Elizabeth said, “This is a transformational journey for the City organization and the community of Cedar Rapids. It is an opportunity to help close the gap between what we all want to become and what we currently are.”

Planning a

Community

The City’s Community Development Department oversees many initiatives that contribute to the welcoming, inclusive place Cedar Rapids is and strives to be. From engaging residents in plans for the City’s future — to managing programs that help residents find a place to call home — Cedar Rapids is working to become a more welcoming place for all.

Neighborhood Associations

Equitable Engagement

Housing Programs

Neighborhood Associations connect residents for fun activities and relationship building. Several associations dot our community, serving older historic areas and new developments alike. Neighborhood Associations meet regularly and connect with City staff who meet with their groups and get to know them personally.

The Planning Services division coordinates with City departments, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Every year, the City commissions a Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis. This helps provide a blueprint of what housing is currently available, what is needed now, and what might be needed in the future.

Jeff Wozencraft, a planner for the City, works with Neighborhood Associations to foster strong ties between neighbors and bridge the gap between City staff and residents. “There is a spirit of welcome at every neighborhood association meeting,” said Wozencraft. “Many people may not realize a Neighborhood Association represents their part of town, or, if there isn’t one, how they can organize their own Neighborhood Association. I encourage residents to find out how they can get involved in their neighborhood to make a difference in their community.” The City recognizes the value of neighborhood associations in bringing together community members and helps support their activities with access to funding

 Learn more about Neighborhood Associations at CityofCR.com/Neighborhoods

It is important that the City considers the perspectives of all our residents when engaging in planning work. Some residents may face challenges engaging through traditional public input methods, such as unfamiliarity with technology, language barriers, difficulties navigating City processes, and more. With an eye on better reaching underrepresented and under-resourced residents, Cedar Rapids’ Community Climate Action Plan identified an opportunity to build a toolkit to assist in the City’s planning efforts. “Equitable and inclusive engagement ensures those most impacted by policy decisions have a say in those decisions,” said Trent Cerra, a planner for the City. “We’re answering the call of the Community Climate Action Plan to build an Equitable Engagement toolkit that will help standardize and facilitate diverse representation in our engagement processes. This will ensure the feedback we incorporate into planning projects reflects the whole community’s vision.”

“Finding a place to call ‘home’ is one of the biggest factors in feeling like your community is inclusive and has a place for you,” said Sara Buck, Cedar Rapids’ housing services manager. “We want to make sure we have quality housing at a variety of price points, to ensure everybody has options for where and how to live.” The Community Development Department administers a variety of local, state, and federal funding programs that create housing opportunities and meet identified needs. Programs include Section 8 and Family Self Sufficiency efforts; a First Time Home Buyer Program; Neighborhood Finance Corporation loans for home purchase, refinance, and improvements; and many others.

 Learn more about the City’s housing programs at CityofCR.com/Housing

 Learn more about the Community Climate Action Plan at CityofCR.com/Green

WELCOME IS OUR LANGUAGE

Parks and Recreation System

s a nationally accredited parks and recreation department, the Cedar Rapids Parks, Recreation, Golf, and Forestry divisions keep equity and access at the forefront of all programming, planning, and facility management. With goals of ensuring that programs and infrastructure are responsive to changing demographics, enhancing programming for underserved populations, upgrading facilities to meet accessibility needs, and implementing mobile recreation programs that connect neighborhoods to parks, every decision is made with an attitude of acceptance, inclusion, and welcoming of all ages, ethnicities, and ability levels.

Welcoming All Ages

Welcoming All Abilities

Beginning with a “start with us” philosophy, the Department welcomes new parents and their babies as young as six months old into water adjustment classes. These classes emphasize the importance of water safety at the very youngest level. Activities for preschoolers provide a first step into participating in recreation programs, including music programs, nature walks, and classes at Old MacDonald’s Farm. Opportunities to improve motor skills exist through the introduction of sports. The Parks and Recreation Department focuses on each age group through adulthood with programs that meet trends, expressed needs, and developmental and social benefits. Older adults are offered social dance, art, yoga, Japanese archery, karate, and more. A group of experienced gardeners assists with carrying out the many functions of the Noelridge Greenhouse. In addition, senior programs are offered at the Northwest Recreation Center and will be offered through the AARP at the outdoor fitness area in Jones Park.

The Department has been inclusive since 1938 when it started the first program for children with disabilities as a W.P.A. Recreation Project. In addition to offering the largest Special Olympics program in the state, accommodations are provided for any individual with a disability asking for assistance. These accommodations can extend to support access to services in other departments.

Beyond programming, the Department provides hundreds of young adults with their first experience in the workforce. More than just a part-time job, staff work to assist with providing employees life skills through work experience. 6

The City of Cedar Rapids has exceeded requirements for accessibility to public facilities, working since 2015 at improving connections to parks, buildings, and parking. From sidewalks and parking lots, to swimming pools, splash pads, playgrounds, miniature golf, and ball diamonds, every feature in the park system is either accessible to those with physical limitations, or on a schedule to be made accessible within the next few years. Ensuring that no resident or visitor is excluded from activities and facilities is an important part of making Cedar Rapids a welcoming community.

To request an accommodation for a disability or language translation, contact Rob Wagner, Parks and Recreation Special Programs Supervisor, at 319-286-5799.

Welcoming All Neighborhoods The Department recognizes that some children have greater access to recreation activities and park programs than others do. This recognition drives the mission of enhancing programming for under-served populations. Staff from the Department work to build partnerships with organizations already working within neighborhoods to strengthen and build on existing programs. The Rollin’ Recmobile makes 13 stops in neighborhood parks each week over the summer. The schedule allows additional time to be spent in neighborhoods with kids who have fewer other opportunities for summer recreation programs. With over 40 community partners, the Rollin’ Recmobile provides opportunities for more than Parks and Recreation Department programming to be offered at stops. Organizations provide resources, activities, food, and more. Watch this summer for the second Rollin’ Recmobile to hit the streets, offering even more opportunities for summer fun than ever before.

“Over the last several months, as I began my role with the City of Cedar Rapids as the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, I was welcomed at every turn by people that I met. I realized how much a part of the culture welcoming others was to the people of Cedar Rapids. From the moment I arrived, Parks and Recreation employees invited me to participate and collaborate with them, inquired about me, and shared their passion for the community readily. We want everyone to be involved and feel welcome to participate no matter their age, race, identity, or past experience. We welcome you to our parks, our recreation center, our pools, our golf courses, our greenhouse, our sports complex, and so much more.” — Hashim Taylor, Parks and Recreation Director

Welcoming Ideas With a commitment to the community, new ideas for ways to connect with residents and visitors are always welcomed. Some of the most popular classes offered came from an idea that a resident passed along. Please submit ideas to recreation@cedar-rapids.org.

Welcomes Riders to Board the Bus There are many reasons why residents may need or want to ride a city bus. For example, they need to commute for work or school and like the convenience of not having to look for parking. They may not own a car or know how to drive. Maybe they just want to make a sustainable choice. Cedar Rapids Transit provides safe, courteous, and dependable public bus service throughout the city, open to the general public, including people with disabilities. The City provides 30 buses for residents to use to travel around our community, serving a wide array of riders. People who ride the bus include commuters, residents without cars, elderly or disabled passengers, and students. In 2019, the City of Cedar Rapids partnered with the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD), Coe College, and Kirkwood Community College to offer student bus rides at no cost on all fixed-route buses operated by Cedar Rapids Transit. Students from these schools simply show their student ID and are eligible to ride free of charge. (CRCSD elementary and middle school students are not required to show ID.) This program is available year-round and allows these students to ride anywhere in the community, not just to and from school. The City also partners with Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Service to provide after-hours, curb-to-curb transportation to and from work and school for those with critical employment transportation needs, and with Linn County LIFTS paratransit service to provide rides to customers for essential services such as medical trips or grocery runs. This service is available for residents as well as out-of-town visitors. Cedar Rapids Transit prioritizes seniors and riders with disabilities, helping them meet their critical travel needs. Cedar Rapids Transit has a mobile app, RideCRT.com, where riders can track bus arrival times and view routes. For more information on how to ride the bus and for schedules and maps, including a large-print version, visit CityofCR.com/Transit, call 319-286-5573, or visit the Ground Transportation Center at 450 First Street SE. 7

WELCOME IS OUR LANGUAGE is a new marketing campaign. Its message elicits local pride in our community, and positions the City of Cedar Rapids as a welcoming and inclusive place for visitors and prospective residents, employees and businesses. The campaign showcases the many diverse people and places of Cedar Rapids that make our community wonderful and welcoming. It celebrates the heritage, innovation and progression of the city. The campaign is community-focused and not exclusive to one organization or entity. On the next few pages, you’ll see examples of organizations that are partnering to share the Welcome is Our Language message. Together, we hope the campaign will encourage residents to embrace and welcome diverse individuals and ideas to create a better, stronger community. Learn more at CityofCR.com/Welcome.

OUR CR

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every year, our community welcomes more than 325,000 visitors to the Cedar Rapids area. Each of these visitors gets the luxury of experiencing Cedar Rapids for the first time. This summer, why not tour your own backyard and experience Our CR the way visitors do?

Build Your Future Each day, our fellow Cedar Rapidians work to build and better their community, culture, business, and life in Cedar Rapids. There is no better example of resiliency and determination than the history and heritage thriving in Czech Village. Stop in for a brew at Lion Bridge, sit down for an authentic meal at Rodina, and enjoy a kolache from Sykora Bakery while wandering through the unique and fun shops. Plus, take in everything from the new Gridiron Champs: George Halas & the Chicago Bears exhibit to the Faces of Freedom permanent exhibit at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Don’t stop there; stroll across the river to NewBo City Market and the New Bohemian Shopping District to discover a wide range of locally made goods and treats.

Photos courtesy of Cedar Rapids Tourism

Just like Czech, Slovak, and Moravian immigrants, Cedar Rapids is enriched by the culture and experiences preserved at the African American Museum of Iowa, the Mother Mosque of America Islamic Cultural and Heritage Center (the oldest mosque in North America), and Brucemore Historic Mansion & Grounds. Spend an afternoon at each, and you will truly understand the beauty of our unique and diverse melting pot.

CEDAR-RAPIDS.ORG

be WHO YOU want to be Look no further than the extensive collection from “American Gothic” artist Grant Wood on display at the Cedar Rapids Art Museum to see how our community inspires ambition, creativity, and art around the world. Take in the history of Grant Wood’s Studio to find your own inspiration. Inspiration is fueled by accessibility, and Cedar Rapids is dedicated to ensuring that all people can access City parks, buildings, and parking with ease. Experience the expanded accessibility at many local favorites, including: Noelridge Park, Ushers Ferry Historic Village, Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Veterans Memorial Stadium, ImOn Ice Arena, the Cedar Rapids Public Library, and the soon-to-be opened Redmond Park playground.

live the american dream After 30 years of creating awareness, inclusivity, and visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Cedar Rapids, don’t miss out as CR Pride expands the annual Pride Festival ( July 9, 2022) to include an Inaugural Pride Parade traveling through the NewBo District on June 4. While you’re flying high, zip on over to the Eastern Iowa Airport on June 5 for a free aviation block party featuring aircrafts, live music, and food trucks hosted by NGPA: The Worldwide LGBT Aviation Community.

WELCOME IS OUR LANGUAGE In Cedar Rapids, we celebrate everybody regardless of ability, religion, culture, or orientation. Welcome truly is our language.

 TourismCedarRapids.com 9

Photograph by Wayne Johnson, Main Street Studio

OF supporting literacy, access, and inclusion “Do you realize that the library building is the only absolutely neutral ground in the city? Here there are no distinctions of age, race, or religion. Every one, young and old, should feel at liberty to come here freely every day in the year.” — Librarian Harriet A. Wood, from the Cedar Rapids Free Public Library 1907 Annual Report

THE DAY the Cedar Rapids Free Public Library opened its doors to the public for the first time, on January 15, 1897, the Gazette reported on the event, describing “throngs of people eager and glad to be there.”

“The university of Cedar Rapids, the new free library, was thrown open to the public last evening,” the article said. 10

Though that first library was small, just a room in the Granby building downtown, at the corner of Second Street SE and Third Avenue SE, its addition to Cedar Rapids life was momentous. It was called the free library to differentiate it from the ways people accessed books before — from private libraries, which often had membership fees. As the library celebrates its 125th anniversary throughout 2022, the throughlines of history are clear. The same values of access and inclusion that guide the library today were present from the very beginning. In the library’s early days, staff visited rural schools, even taking books by horse. In the 1910s and 1920s, librarians opened dozens of miniature library stations in neighborhood grocery stores, parks, schools, and factories. The goal was to have library materials within walking distance of every part of the city. In the 1950s and 1960s, as the city grew, the library purchased book mobiles to visit more neighborhoods. Over the decades, branches have opened and closed in different parts of the city to meet shifting population needs. In each iteration, the goal has been the same: bringing books and information to the people. OUR CR

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Librarian Mary Runkle Edson with workers at the library station at the T.M. Sinclair Packing Co., around 1916.

Today, the library is also looking to the future. In 2021, the Mobile Technology Lab arrived. Instead of a traditional bookmobile, the library’s new van is loaded with technology, from laptops to 3D printers to robots designed to help kids learn coding. It will head out to area parks again this summer alongside the Parks and Recreation Department’s Rollin’ RecMobile and other community partners. The van is also being used for workforce development outreach, thanks to a nearly $45,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “It’s hard to imagine what the next 125 years could possibly bring, but our library will stand the test of time,” Library Director Dara Schmidt said. “We will heed the call to provide free access to resources and be open to all. We will find ways to meet people where they are. We will support our children and instill a love of books and reading. We will be a community resource in times of strife. We will remain committed to the timeless pillars of literacy, access, and inclusion.” Read more about the library’s 125-year history at CRLibrary.org/our-history.

NGPA: The Worldwide LGBTQ Aviation Community

“wings over iowa” With non-stop service to 16

destinations on five airlines, the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is a gateway to Cedar Rapids. The airport leaves an important first and last impression with visitors to our city and region. On June 3 – 5, the City of Cedar Rapids and the Eastern Iowa Airport will host the NGPA: The Worldwide LGBTQ Aviation Community (NGPA) “Wings over Iowa” fly-in event, a first-of-its-kind event for NGPA. In addition, they will also partner with CR Pride to participate in the City’s first Pride parade. For the aviation portion of the NGPA Wings Over Iowa event on Sunday, June 5, will have a “block party feel.” There will be a static aircraft display, food vendors, and other vendors with an aviation educational component.

Photograph by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash

NGPA is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. Since 1990, NGPA’s mission has been to Build, Support and Unite the LGBTQ aviation community worldwide. The organization provides educational opportunities, social events, and outreach. “We are encouraging people to fly their personal aircraft to the event to give local youth and community members a view into the world of aviation,” said Brian Gambino, NGPA president. “It’s important for us to continue offering

opportunities for our members while also being inclusive of the entire aviation community by welcoming everyone…” Cedar Rapids was chosen to host NGPA’s event in large part due to the connections the organization made with Julie Stow, associate executive director and director of meetings and conventions at Cedar Rapids Tourism. “Julie was able to explain to us what a welcoming community Cedar Rapids is,” Gambino said. “When we toured the city and the airport, we saw firsthand how open and accepting the city is, and we knew it would be a great place to expand our networking and education events.” “I love Cedar Rapids and the people, which makes it easy for me to talk to others about our wonderful attractions, restaurants, hotels, and businesses,” Stow agreed. “Once a guest comes for a visit and is able to experience it for themselves, the community sells itself.” Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell says the work Stow and her team are doing in attracting all potential groups and tourists to the area reflects the philosophy and character of the city. “We are so excited to welcome NGPA to Cedar Rapids,” stated O’Donnell. “‘Welcome’ isn’t just a word. It’s how we live our lives. I’m thrilled they will get to experience that firsthand.”

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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Resident Appreciation Day Saturday, June 4 | 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Downtown Farmers’ Market

In January, the City of Cedar Rapids announced a partnership with Kirkwood Community College to support a new workforce training and education program. CRCCC provides tuition grants to support local career opportunities and advancement. The program will provide students graduating from high school, or residents currently unemployed or underemployed, with the opportunity to pursue a career in an area they are passionate about, while developing the employee skills our current businesses tell us they need. CRCCC is designed thoughtfully to not compete with state funding opportunities or four-year degree programs, but to fill specific gaps identified as a community need. While several existing grant and scholarship programs help Kirkwood students attend college at no cost, CRCCC helps open that opportunity to even more people. The program covers additional students who wouldn’t typically qualify for scholarship/grant funding because of their parents’ income, those who want to attend classes part-time, and certain degrees not covered by other programs. College Career Connection addresses local workforce needs across the healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and business sectors. It creates opportunities for Cedar Rapids residents to develop their education and training in order to gain the skills to advance their career and earning potential.

 Learn more at CityofCR.com/CRCCC.

We are back at the Downtown Farmers’ Market this year! Join us for Resident Appreciation Day at the market on Saturday, June 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Stop by our tents for games, prizes, giveaways, and much more. This event is the perfect opportunity to ask all the questions you have about City services and programs. Staff will be there to share information and answer all your questions. Bring the kids for fingerprinting by Police Department volunteers, photo opportunities with City mascots, and a chance to explore City vehicles including a firetruck, police car, forestry boom truck, leaf vacuum truck, and street sweeper. Learn about upcoming projects, check out technology that makes the city work, and leave with a City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge kit. Do not miss this great event!

Restoring the City’s Tree Canopy It is the goal of ReLeaf Cedar Rapids to replant all public streets within a decade. Street trees provide community benefits including stormwater and exhaust absorption, improved public health and safety, increased property values, reduced urban heat islands, and improved walkability. For this reason, they are a city utility and public infrastructure asset. One of the biggest and most difficult tasks of the plan is to create a timeline for this work that reflects the plan’s principals and goals. The Street Tree Planting Prioritization must balance competing factors, giving appropriate weight to each. There is no single right answer to this challenge; the important thing is to establish a transparent, justifiable methodology, and to apply it consistently. Over 7,500 street locations were evaluated and scored based on eight factors: prior canopy, urban heat islands, population density, social vulnerability, derecho tree loss, pedestrian infrastructure demand, roadway classification, and available planting sites. CEDAR-RAPIDS.ORG

The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan has identified where trees will be planted over the next ten years. Replanting the tree canopy will make Cedar Rapids more beautiful and more resilient to weather extremes in the future. Homeowners cannot opt out of having a tree planted in the right-of-way. Those A Plan who interfere with to Bring Back our or remove trees The ReLeaf Trees Rules planted along the How to The Plant Mas right-of-way will be ter and Tree List Raise a Tree subject to fines. Fees may include the replacement cost of the tree, with additional fines levied on a per-tree basis. More fines will be levied for unpaid fees.

February 2022

Cedar Rapids,

Iowa

P. 40

P. 44

P. 48

 Read the plan at CityofCR.com/ReLeaf.

CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY CITY SERVICE

LOCATION

Animals

7241 Washington View Parkway SW

Assessor

City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW

319-286-5888

CRAssessor@Cedar-Rapids.org

Bid Opportunities

City Hall, 101 1st 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

Solid-Waste-Recycling@Cedar-Rapids.org

Housing Assistance Programs

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

319-286-5872

HSG-Admin@Cedar-Rapids.org

Land Development

City Hall, 101 1 Street SE

319-286-5822

DevelopmentServices@Cedar-Rapids.org

Park Rentals

City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Potholes and Street Maintenance

City Services Center, 500 15 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

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

319-286-5993

AnimalControlMgmt@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

Tiffany O’Donnell

Martin Hoeger

Scott Overland

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

Dale Todd

Scott Olson

Ashley Vanorny

t.odonnell@cedar-rapids.org

dalet@cedar-rapids.org

m.hoeger@cedar-rapids.org

scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org

a.vanorny@cedar-rapids.org

AT LARGE

Patrick Loeffler

Tyler Olson

Ann Poe

p.loeffler@cedar-rapids.org

s.overland@cedar-rapids.org

t.olson@cedar-rapids.org

OUR CR

M AY 2 0 2 2

ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org

2021

Water Quality Report Our water quality efforts start upstream, where we work to prevent contaminants from getting into the source water. The City collaborates with many partners to help protect our precious water resources as it heads downstream, reaches our wells, and flows through your tap. Cedar Rapids is committed to providing safe, clean drinking water when our consumers need it, today and into the future. Find out more about our water quality efforts inside.

www.CityofCR.com/WaterReport

CITY OF CEDA R R A P I DS

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

Large photo: Silver Creek Oxbow at the NW Water Plant, one of many restored oxbows in Linn County Inset photos from top to bottom: 1) Tributary from field runoff as it enters the Cedar River; 2) One of Cedar Rapids' vertical wells to pump ground water, influenced by the Cedar River to the treatment plant; 3) Cedar Rapids J Ave. Water Treatment Plant

Cedar Rapids is committed to providing safe, clean drinking water when our consumers need it—today and into the future. The City collaborates with many partners to help protect our precious resource before it reaches your tap and as it heads downstream.

WHAT’S HAPPENING UPSTREAM

The City’s water quality commitment extends beyond our local area. The City collaborates with farmers, conservation groups, agricultural or commodity groups, our partners at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other significant stakeholders upstream to improve soil health and water quality. In March 2022, the City of Cedar Rapids was awarded the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture’s Leadership in Conservation award for the work we have done partnering with upstream farmers. Some of our recent efforts include:

Cover Crops

Many people don’t realize that the City of Cedar Rapids owns over 2,000 acres of farmland, which it rents to local farmers. Beginning in 2020, the City of Cedar Rapids now requires cover crops to be planted on all cropland acres that we own. Crops planted during or after harvest control soil erosion, increase water retention, and improve nutrient uptake.

Bioreactors

Drainage water is routed through trenches filled with woodchips, reducing the amount of nitrates delivered downstream. In 2020, a bioreactor was installed at the Tuma Soccer Complex on farmland owned by the City.

Saturated Buffers

These practices divert tile outlet water into the soil adjacent to a stream, allowing for natural processes to filter out nitrates from the drainage water. In 2022, the City of Cedar Rapids launched a new partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and six Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which aims to build 60 saturated buffer projects across the Middle Cedar Watershed by 2024.

Wetlands

Wetlands provide downstream benefits, such as flood prevention and water quality improvement, and add critical habitat for waterfowl and other animals. The Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority, of which Cedar Rapids is a member, restored the 20-acre wetland in Buchanan County, featured at left, and hopes to see more added in the future. 16

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CEDAR RAPIDS

Stormwater — or rainwater and snowmelt from hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, and sidewalks — flows directly into streams and rivers instead of soaking into the ground. Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated for pollutants. The City invests in various practices to improve the stormwater we send downstream:

Landscaping Features

Native vegetation soaks up runoff, absorbing nutrients and providing habitat for pollinators. Features like rain gardens, bioretention cells, and bioswales capture excessive runoff in ponds or send runoff to a storm sewer or surface water system.

Soil Quality Restoration

Tillage, aeration, and compost improve lawn health. Healthy soil absorbs a greater volume of rain water.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers allow stormwater to seep through their joints and soak into the soil beneath instead of flowing directly to creeks and rivers.

Bever Tank Reservoir Resurfacing Update Bever Tank Reservoir resurfacing was completed in 2021. The 1922 Bever Park Reservoir is an 8 million gallon underground water tank. The tank stores water for use during high-demand periods. It also balances water pressure in the area. A recent project emptied, cleaned, and refurbished the tank for use for years to come. Starting in 2022, the same will be done for the Mt. Vernon Rd. Elevated Tank. BEFORE

AFTER

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LINN COUNTY The City of Cedar Rapids is an active partner across various water quality improvement efforts within Linn County. Here are a few projects that have already made a positive impact:

Wetlands Establishment

The Morgan Creek watershed is an important resource to Cedar Rapids and Linn County that feeds the Cedar River and drinking water well fields for the City. Cedar Rapids and Linn County Conservation partnered to develop a series of wetlands adjacent to E Avenue during the E Avenue roadway extension project. These wetlands, just east of the HWY 100 bypass, intercept roadway, neighborhood, and park stormwater to begin filtering pollutants and nutrients before reaching Morgan Creek. Linn County Conservation continued this project within the County’s Morgan Creek Park through Linn County Water and Land Legacy Bond funding to add two additional wetlands to the E Avenue wetland. This series of wetlands was completed in 2021 and functions to hold and clean about 565,149 cubic feet of stormwater storage at any given time.

ReLeaf Cedar Rapids

Following the Derecho of 2020, the City created the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan to plant over 600,000 trees in Cedar Rapids, prioritizing planting native and diverse species, restoring a resilient tree canopy, and increasing social equity while limiting climate change. Trees provide benefits such as improved air quality, greater stormwater absorption, lower summer temperatures, greenhouse gas absorption, and higher property values. Trees also absorb thousands of gallons of rainfall before that water can become stormwater, protecting soil from erosion and keeping contaminants out of our waterways. Keeping our watershed clean and healthy means planting more fast-growing trees now.

1,000 Acres Pollinator Initiative

Cedar Rapids partnered with Linn County Conservation and the Monarch Research Project to convert unproductive public land into native prairie pollinator habitats in Linn County, Cedar Rapids, and Marion. This project benefits monarchs, pollinators, and water quality health through nutrient management using green infrastructure. The goal, to establish 1,000 new acres of native pollinator habitat across Linn County, was achieved in 2021 with a total of 1,082 new acres funded by Monarch Research Project and managed by the jurisdictions involved. This initiative included 318 new acres of diverse native prairie within Cedar Rapids properties such as parks, golf courses, and other underutilized City lands.

How Your Water is Treated 1 Aeration

2 Softening

Once water arrives at the City’s treatment facilities, it undergoes a process called aeration. During this process, the raw/untreated water falls down a series of trays. These trays help open the water up so gases can be exchanged and removed. This includes the removal of undesirable gases like radon. Aeration is similar to the natural process that happens when water in a stream flows through rapids or over waterfalls.

Lime chemical is added to soften the water. This process reduces minerals that make water "hard," and water pH increases in this process. Hardness in water means you need to use more soap and detergents. Hard water also causes buildup in water heaters and boilers. Hard water can interfere with industrial processes and sometimes gives water an unappealing taste and odor. Softening water can limit those challenges. After lime chemical is added, residual materials are extracted and applied to farmland as a soil conditioner. The residuals can also be used as fill in approved land-reclamation projects.

Ammonia

Lime

Out to Homes, Businesses & Storage

In from Wells

Carbon Dioxide Chlorine Added

Chloramines formed (compound of chlorine and ammonia)

Fluoride Phosphate

UV Disinfection

Recarbonation and Chlorination

Water pH is lowered through the addition of carbon dioxide. Chlorine is added to disinfect the water. This process helps kill disease-causing organisms, making our water safer. During this step, a trace amount of ammonia is also added to further aid in disinfection. 4

Filtration

Water passes through a sand and gravel filter bed, removing any remaining suspended matter. 5

UV Disinfection

Water enters a ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system in this step. The UV system uses special lamps to instantly damage the genetic material of any microorganisms in the water. The process eliminates the ability for microorganisms to reproduce and cause infection. Then, water passes through a contact tank. Time spent in this tank allows the chlorine compound created in Step 3 to complete its disinfection process.

Fluoridation and Phosphate Addition

Fluoride promotes children’s dental health. Phosphate is used to stabilize water and lessen the possibility that lead and copper will leach out of pipes and fixtures into tap water. 7

Distribution

Finished water is pumped directly into the distribution system. The distribution system includes water storage tanks, booster stations, and more than 600 miles of water mains. Water stored in elevated tanks or pumped through booster stations helps stabilize pressure in the distribution system and serves as an emergency reserve for fire protection.

Stormwater Cost-Share Program The Stormwater Cost-Share Program reimburses 50% of costs (up to $2,000) for the installation of features that improve the quality and decrease the quantity of stormwater. Private property owners subject to the Stormwater Utility Fee are eligible to participate in the program. For more information, visit CityofCR.com/Stormwater.

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

4.9

he City of Cedar Rapids obtains its drinking water supplies from wells constructed in 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. The rest of the water is supplied as water percolates up from a deeper bedrock aquifer, or down from the top of the ground. As the wells perform their work, your drinking water benefits from natural filtration through sand in the riverbank. This filtration has proven to be a beneficial pretreatment to water before it reaches the City’s conventional lime-softening facilities.

.00

990

PER 1,000 GALLONS FROM THE CITY (FY22) PER 1,000 GALLONS PURCHASED AT THE STORE (AT $.99/GALLON)

WHAT'S THE

VALUE

of Water?

Water Monitoring The City of Cedar Rapids has a continued collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in monitoring water quality and occurrence of contaminants in the Cedar River, its tributaries, and the ground water aquifer that supplies water to our treatment plants. Data is also being collected for ground water modeling for use in placement of new wells and prediction of water supply capacity. Results of these continued water monitoring efforts show that levels of potential drinking water contaminants remain well below levels of concern for human health.

Invaluable. Reliable. Water—it is essential for everything we do in life. We need water to make a cup of coffee, keep things clean, fight fires, build bridges, and swim on a summer day. From agriculture to manufacturing, most sectors of our economy rely on water. Water drives economic growth and competitiveness. Water protects public health. Water revitalizes neighborhoods and supports community vitality. It sustains our environment and makes us more resilient in the face of climate change. Water is life.

Keeping Your Water Flowing Water keeps our city running and our economy growing. While essential, water infrastructure is often unseen. Many never consider how water gets to the tap, or where it goes after we flush it away. Luckily, Cedar Rapids residents don’t have to worry about it. The Utilities Department maintains good functioning pumps, treatment plants, and pipes to bring clean water into homes and businesses, and to remove and treat wastewater. Many components in our drinking and wastewater treatment facilities were brought online decades ago and have been working ever since! We are constantly working to monitor portions of the system as the time comes to upgrade and replenish equipment. 18

LEARN MORE AT

www.thevalueofwater.org

WHAT WE'RE DOING

ABOUT LEAD

We work hard every day to exceed standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA recently updated its Lead and Copper Rule Revisions for Public Water Systems, and their goal is to remove all lead service lines and replace any galvanized service lines that have ever been downstream of lead over the next several years. Learn how these changes may affect you at CityofCR.com/Inventory. Some older homes utilize lead plumbing or fixtures, or have a lead service line between their house and the water main. The Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) routinely tests for lead in the drinking water leaving our plants. In 2021, no lead was detected leaving our plants. To reduce the risk of dissolved lead from old pipes in homes, CRWD adds lead corrosion control to its water supply. This consists of a very low concentration of zinc ortho-phosphate, a compound that reduces the risk of dissolved lead in consumers’ water. This small amount has long been proven safe for consumption. Because public safety is our top priority, CRWD is updating its service line records, or an inventory of the plumbing between City distribution pipes and the water meter on the customer’s end. Updating records is a high priority and a first step toward determining how precise our monitoring program can be. The EPA’s updated Lead-Copper Rule instructs CRWD to fully update its service-line inventory and replace a set amount of lead/galvanized connections through a program spanning several years. The CRWD has already been replacing lead service lines as they are encountered. Additionally, there will be an increased effort to have property owners replace their portion of lead or galvanized service lines, if downstream of lead, as they are encountered. Replacing is in the best interest of public health and safety, and replacing lines as they are exposed is the most cost effective solution and reduces the need for sampling and filtering devices. The EPA is working to provide financial assistance to offset the cost for property owners; however, private side replacement is not mandatory. CRWD will notify homeowners of scheduled service line and water main work in their area. The goal is to complete service line replacements all at one time, to comply with the EPA’s full lead service line replacement requirement. For more information about the health effects of lead and how you can keep yourself and your home safe from lead, visit CityofCR.com/Inventory or EPA.gov/Lead.

THE CITY NEEDS YOUR HELP! Customer participation to identify their service line material can reduce the expense of the inventory requirement. This may also reduce inconveniences associated with potential home or office visits. Help the CRWD in its efforts to remove lead service lines from the water system. Please take our short survey at CityofCR.com/Inventory, or call 319-286-5975 for detailed instructions on how to help identify the private service line material as it enters your premise, or if there has already been or will be a replacement to your private-side service line.

Educational Information NITRATE 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 4 8 a.m. – Noon, Downtown Farmers' Market Resident Appreciation Day Thursday, June 9 5 – 6 p.m., Water Admin. Building, 1111 Shaver Rd. NE

Water Quality Findings

This table summarizes required water quality monitoring results for regulated parameters that were detected in the 2021 calendar year. A comprehensive report of all water quality testing is available from the Water Division. WA TE R TRE ATMENT P LANTS - FINISH ED W ATER INORGANIC CHEMICALS

J AVE. PLANT

NW PLANT

UNITS

MCL

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

Arsenic

μg/L

ND -1.15

0.4

ND - 0.55

0.33

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

Nitrate

mg/L

0.25 - 3.22

3.22

0.37 - 4.97

4.97

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

Nitrite

mg/L

ND - 0.11

0.11

ND - 0.09

0.09

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

Sodium

mg/L

16.0

14.0

Erosion of natural deposits; added to water during treatment process

Fluoride

mg/L

0.09 - 0.81

0.81

0.14 - 0.93

0.93

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

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

ND - 0.10

0.08

ND - 0.10

0.08

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

0.59 - 3.12

1.37

0.14 - 2.89

1.91

ORGANIC CHEMICALS Atrazine

μg/L

TREATMENT TECHNIQUE INDICATORS Total Organic Carbon

Turbidity

Removal Credits

NTU

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Running Annual Average TOC Credits must be > 1.0 0.36

0.01 - 0.36

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

Naturally present in the environment

0.31

0.02 - 0.31

% > 0.3 NTU

0.002

0.000

Soil runoff

UNRE GUL A T E D AN D SE CON D AR Y CHE MICAL S INORGANIC CHEMICALS

J AVE. PLANT

NW PLANT

UNITS

MCL

MCLG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

Chloride

mg/L

250

30.4 - 36.3

32.6

25.5 - 37.1

30.0

Erosion of natural deposits, run-off

Copper

mg/L

1.0

ND - 0.013

0.002

ND - 0.013

0.009

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Manganese

mg/L

0.05

ND - 23.3

9.6

ND - 0.60

0.0

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Sulfate

mg/L

250

20.9 - 36.3

28.9

24.3 - 36.0

30.2

Erosion of natural deposits

Zinc

mg/L

0.14 - 0.25

0.21

0.15 - 0.26

0.22

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

ORGANIC CHEMICALS

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

Chloroform

μg/L

0.8 - 1.7

ND - 2.1

1.4

Bromodichloromethane

μg/L

ND - 0.6

0.2

ND - 0.7

0.3

Chloroacetic Acid

μg/L

ND - 2.0

0.5

ND - 2.0

0.5

Dichloroacetic Acid

μg/L

1.0 - 2.0

1.8

1.0 - 2.0

1.8

Metolachlor

μg/L

0.10 - 0.30

0.23

0.10 - 0.30

0.21

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

42 - 67

23 - 55

RADIONUCLIDES Radon

pCi/L

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Run-off from fertilizer used on row crops

Erosion of natural deposits

DISTRIB UT IO N S YS T EM M O N IT O RIN G LEAD AND COPPER RULE

UNITS

ACTION LEVEL (AL)

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

90th PERCENTILE

95th PERCENTILE

SAMPLES EXCEEDING AL

Lead

μg/L

ND - 6.77

2.0

3.2

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Copper

mg/L

1.3

ND 0.198

0.066

0.069

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

113

108

100

109

115

Level 1 Assessment Required

Meets Monthly MCL of <5% Positive Coliform/Month

Yes

# Positive Coliform Samples/Month

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

DISINFECTANT & DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS

Total Chlorine Residual

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

UNITS

MRDL

MRDLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

mg/L

1.3 - 4.0

REPORTED 3.41

UNITS

MCL

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

REPORTED

μg/L

ND - 2.8

2.88*

Water additive used to control microbial growth

By-product of drinking water disinfection *Highest Locational Running Annual Average at Site DB03

Source Water 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

Radon pCi/L

TOC mg/L

2017 Annual Average

1.25

0.37

8.8

4.4

170

110.6

9.5

4.0

281

1.94

2018 Annual Average

0.84

0.05

4.2

2.2

171

49.4

10.0

3.6

275

2.27

2019 Annual Average

0.86

6.6

2.7

120

42.7

9.4

3.6

245

2.87

2020 Annual Average

1.40

7.1

0.9

120

289.3

10.2

3.3

297

1.57

2021 Annual Average

2.69

0.01

9.5

3.2

479

310.0

13.0

2.05

295

1.47

Sample Key Highest Running Annual Average Arsenic Atrazine Total Chlorine Residual Radon

Maximum Value Flouride Nitrate Nitrite Turbidity

Single Result Sodium Toluene Combined Radium

Radium -226 Radium - 228 Gross Alpha

Frequently Asked Questions

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 organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.

Is there PFAS in my drinking water? Sampling for 18 specific PFAS compounds was done in July 2020. Results were below the level of reliable reporting limit for the compounds tested at that time. Currently, there are no regulations for these compounds. While regulatory sampling has not been required, plans for future sampling are under review. Locations where the compounds were manufactured, or air fields adjacent to streams where a significant amount of fire-fighting foam may have been used, appear to be the most likely sites of concern for these compounds. Neither of these cases present a concern for our source water at this time. 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.

Lowest Running Annual Average Total Organic Carbon

Highest Locational Running Annual Average Total Trihalomethanes Total Haloacetic Acids

AC RON YM S AVG: Average

pCi/L: Picocuries per liter

ND: Not Detected

MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level

MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level NR: Not Regulated mg/L: Milligrams per liter or parts per million μg/L: Micrograms per liter or parts per billion

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 corrosioncontrol 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. 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. 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.

MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal NA: Not Applicable NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal

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. 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. 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.

2021 WATER REPORT SHOWS

100% Compliance The Water division achieved 100% compliance with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ water quality expectations in 2021. This marks the fourth consecutive year the division earned this distinction. Additionally, the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPC) must meet 3,865 points of compliance toward its water discharge permit each year. In 2021, WPC became eligible for the North American Clean Water Agency (NACWA) Silver Peak Performance Award for its exceptional compliance. Cedar Rapids residents can be proud of the exceptional standards upheld by their Utilities Department every day.

CALL: 319-286-5900

If you have questions or concerns about our water quality or this report, please contact Water Division Customer Service. We are happy to help identify issues and resolve your concerns.

EMAIL: watermail@cedar-rapids.org

Glossary

QUESTIONS?

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

CITY OF CEDAR R A P I DS

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. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s. The chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. 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 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.

“This is so amazing, having all the specialties in a single place.

It’s like having our own Mayo Clinic right here in Cedar Rapids.” ~ Satisfied PCI Patient

Medical Pavilion 1 202 10th Street SE  Cedar Rapids Medical Pavilion 2 275 10th Street SE  Cedar Rapids

Eastern Iowa’s premier specialty medical center Allergy  Audiology  Behavioral Health  Ear, Nose & Throat /Head & Neck Surgery  Envisions Medical Spa  General Surgery  Heart & Lung Surgery  Hematology & Oncology  Neurology & Sleep Medicine  Orthopedic & Total Joint Center  Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery  Podiatry & Foot Health  Primary Care & Wellness Center  Rheumatology  Spine Center  Urology Center  Vascular & Endovascular Surgery  Walk-in Care

(319) 247-3010

| PCOFIOWA.COM

OUR CR

M AY 2 0 2 2

Our CR - May 2022

Articles inside

Restoring the City's Tree Canopy

Resident Appreciation Day

Cedar Rapids College Career Connection

Celebrating 125 Years of Supporting Literacy, Access, and Inclusion

Welcome to Our Melting Pot

A Welcoming Parks and Recreation System

Planning a Welcoming Community

Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Introduction: Welcome is Our Language

From the City Manager