Our CR - June 2018

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FROM THE

CITY MANAGER

JUNE 2018

June 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of our City’s devastating

FROM THE CITY MANAGER •

10 YEAR FLOOD ANNIVERSARY • SPECIAL SECTION WATER QUALITY REPORT •

2008 Flood. Many organizations

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throughout the community are

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hosting events to remember and commemorate what was lost, as well as to celebrate our recovery.

The 2008 Flood was catastrophic, but our recovery has

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been impressive by any standard. We have rebuilt our city facilities, adopted a flood protection plan, raised two bridges, and have taken measures to protect our damaged water system, pumps and waste water facilities. We recently completed a levee and pump station that will provide immediate protection for one of our low lying commercial districts, and a second pump station and levee is underway.

These combined efforts represent a $50 million investment in permanent flood control.

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While much work has been done, we still have a vital

WITH CEDAR RAPIDS

need for complete and permanent flood protection. Any financial investment made in our downtown and other

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flood impacted areas carries a higher risk due to the lack of permanent flood control. Continued economic success will depend on us maintaining our momentum and avoiding losses from future flood events.

Permanent flood protection is critical to maintain and grow the economy of Cedar Rapids, and to protect the well-being

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of Cedar Rapids residents. We are working hard to develop a plan for full funding of the system, while also leveraging the funding that is currently available to make strides toward protecting the most vulnerable areas of our city.

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Our community has demonstrated great resilience over the

Contact the Our CR Communications Coordinator at 319-286-5742.

past 10 years as we recovered and rebuilt. Together, I am confident the community will once again rally to ensure that our neighborhoods and businesses never have to face such a devastating loss and long recovery again.

Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager

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n June 2008, Cedar Rapids experienced a devastating natural disaster. More than 10 square miles of our City were engulfed by flood waters when the Cedar River crested at over 31 feet,

19 feet above flood level. The impact reverberated throughout the entire community as our friends’ homes and businesses were lost and people were displaced. While the financial impact was more than $5.4 billion, no lives were lost and our residents were safe thanks to the heroic efforts of many.

Once the critical issue of safety was addressed and resolved, we immediately came together, rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Hundreds of individuals participated, imagining all the ways that recovery could have a positive impact on Cedar Rapids for generations. In ten years, fueled by determination and hard work, we have rebuilt. Our remarkable recovery has been used as an example by other cities who have experienced subsequent disasters. We have rebuilt City facilities, adopted a flood protection plan, raised two bridges, and protected our damaged water system, pumps and waste water facilities. We have expanded housing opportunities, streamlined processes and standards for new development, built a levee and pump station and embraced green infrastructure.

We continue to work on emergency response management and successfully battled another flood threat as a community.

While we are not done, we are proud of the dedication and commitment of our businesses, charitable organizations, government entities and our citizens. We have risen above, and will continue to do so.

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10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

UNPRECEDENTED ACQUISITION PROGRAM

REGROWTH & RENEWAL

OF NEIGHBORHOODS

The City immediately began implementing an ambitious program to address damaged neighborhoods and secure federal funding for a home buy-out program. What followed was an unprecedented property acquisition program — one of the largest purchases of private property by a U.S. city to date.

Neighborhood meetings were quickly assembled in July 2008 to learn more about the level of damage and give the community information on available housing aid. The program used federal dollars from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and federal Community Development Block Grant dollars administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority to purchase homes ravished by the flood. The programs kicked off in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010.

The voluntary program allowed property owners to receive the pre-flood assessed value of their damaged property, and was open to anyone who owned residential and commercial property in the flood-impacted areas of Cedar Rapids.

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ix weeks after the devastation of the 2008 Flood, City officials reached out to the public to develop a flood strategy and declared its intent to take charge of its own recovery. In the shock and aftermath of Iowa’s worst natural disaster, two profound and immediate needs arose: helping hundreds of residents cope with flood-ravaged homes, and replenishing miles and miles of lost neighborhoods.

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The City successfully acquired 1,356 flood-damaged properties and safely demolished them, helping thousands of residents who were facing significant financial loss as a result of the flood. The program also improved the condition of neighborhoods by removing blight, permanently removed residential neighborhoods from the risk of future flooding, and provided a footprint for future flood protection measures.

When the program closed in December 2014, approximately $128 million had been invested to acquire and safely demolish flood-damaged properties in the city — both residential and commercial. The program has since become a model for other communities facing disaster recovery.

In addition to the acquisition program, interim mortgage assistance and down payment assistance programs were quickly established to help aid homeowners with mortgage and other financial needs. These programs were developed swiftly

by City of Cedar Rapids staff, and are now part of federal programming to aid other communities facing natural disasters.

REPLENISHING NEIGHBORHOODS With such a significant loss in housing, City officials moved forward to establish a program aimed at replenishing homes and neighborhoods. In 2009, the single-family new construction program launched, officially becoming “ROOTS” in 2012. The program was established with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

ROOTs stood for “Rebuilding Ownership Opportunities Together” and it became a pillar in the City’s flood recovery efforts. The program provided a 25 percent down payment incentive to qualified buyers who purchased a new home in the City's core districts, including the Time Check Neighborhood in the city’s northwest quadrant, one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the flood.

Over time, the program helped bring back lost neighborhoods and establish new homes a safe distance from the flood plain. But the

NEW DEVELOPMENT RESHAPES CEDAR RAPIDS While devastating, many see the 2008 Flood as a new beginning for the City of Cedar Rapids — a chance to reinvent ourselves. The community was determined to not just rebuild, but to come back better than ever.

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n order to spur development, the City created standardized economic development programs to encourage the types of development we wanted to see, and to increase the design quality

of these developments. These clearly outlined standards make it easier for developers to have a clear idea of the City’s needs and expectations.

Encouraged by the City’s efforts to streamline processes to make it easier to develop within the City, local developers stepped up to the plate and created an unprecedented number of new projects in the City over the last 10 years — enhancing housing, business and retail options in Cedar Rapids. This effort could not have taken shape without the commitment and investment from area developers.

Cedar Rapids is seeing a wide range of needed projects. We have seen

community impacts stretch much further than

tremendous growth in available housing options, especially downtown

simply housing stock — ROOTS encouraged

housing, which was virtually non-existent before 2008. Affordable

families to own a home and establish residency

housing — and offering a variety of housing options — is critical to

and permanency in Cedar Rapids, which

meeting the needs of current and future residents and attracting

contributes to healthy neighborhoods and

quality employers.

economic development.

The Smulekoffs and Knutson Building redevelopments have

“We never want our ‘recovery’ to just get

preserved our City’s history by restoring some of our City’s most

us back to where we were before,” says

recognizable buildings into mixed use property. CRST built a new

Community Development Director Jennifer

11-story headquarters along the river, incorporating flood protection

Pratt. “It’s always been incredibly important to

into the design of the building. These are just a few examples of the

us that we establish flood recovery initiatives that help move the entire community forward in a way that goes well beyond rebuilding from a natural disaster.”

The ROOTs program closed in 2017, after almost 900 new homes were re-established in the community. Today, the City continues to look for programs that strengthen

development projects completed.

If you think all the new projects popping up in Cedar Rapids since 2008 is unusual, you’re correct! In the 5 years prior to the 2008 Flood, Cedar Rapids provided assistance to a total of just 13 development projects.

In contrast, we have supported more than 90 of these types of quality projects in the years since — 14 in 2017 alone — resulting in over $108 million in investment, just that one year.

neighborhood housing and is in the process

The City’s economic development initiatives, along with the community’s

of establishing a Cedar Rapids Neighborhood

support and determination in recovery, have directly led to the growth

Finance Corporation — a program that

of quality development you are seeing in Cedar Rapids today.

revitalizes neighborhoods through unique lending programs for home repair and neighborhood upkeep.

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10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

GREENWAYS O N

T H E

H O R I Z O N

We are as excited as the public is to take advantage of all the recreational opportunities that the greenways will provide. We look forward to working with community groups and partners to bring amenities to these park spaces."

- ANGIE CHARIPAR, INTERIM PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

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n several planning processes following the 2008 Flood,

economic development. Many cities including Minneapolis,

the public indicated a preference for using park land,

Dubuque, Cincinnati and Indianapolis have invested

or greenways, as part of the flood mitigation system.

significantly in riverfront development.

Greenways will add more than 100 acres to the Cedar

Greenways also contribute to the community’s health.

Rapids park system and allow the community to enjoy new

Creating places to be physically active can result in a 25

amenities not currently available.

percent increase of residents who exercise at least three

In addition to allowing the river to breathe without reaching

times per week. The park space and trails within the

property, greenways have many other benefits.

greenways will provide health and fitness opportunities that align with the City’s health goals.

Greenways help attract and retain the next-generation workforce. Studies indicate that a City’s commitment to

Finally, greenways will help to transform the neighborhoods

providing access to green space and natural environments is

hardest hit by the flood. They will create public spaces where

one of the best indicators of an up-and-coming, “Next City.”

neighbors and the community can gather and celebrate.

Quality-of-place amenities help to retain workers that drive

While there are some limitations on portions of the

innovation and economic growth.

greenway, the Parks and Recreation Department is

Greenways increase private investment and property values

working closely with Public Works to integrate the public's

in neighborhoods close to them. Parks boost land values

priorities. Segments of the greenway will be developed after

and property taxes by as much as 22 percent. In addition,

infrastructure (levees, roads, parking) are completed.

public investment in riverfronts spurs private investment and

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REDUCING FLOOD RISK

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reen infrastructure alleviates flood risk by absorbing rainfall and preventing water from overwhelming storm sewers and creeks. Bioswales, biocells, permeable pavers, detention basins — even native prairie grass plantings — are all forms of green infrastructure.

In our urban environment, concrete, buildings, and other impervious surfaces provide a challenge to stormwater infiltration. As Cedar Rapids continues to grow, City leaders work to ensure green infrastructure projects are in place to alleviate flood impact and keep water from pooling up in neighborhoods. These projects work like a sponge — soaking up water and holding it in place on the land before allowing it to flow naturally back into the water cycle.

GREEN PROJECTS

Cuts were made along Council Street to allow drainage to flow into this bioswale at Noelridge Park. The location is ideal for its proximity to nearby schools as it allows for stormwater educational programming.

A permeable paver alley constructed near Coe College maintains functionality while managing stormwater from neighboring areas.

PERMEABLE PAVERS

BIOSWALES

Noelridge Park • Kennedy High School • Bowman Woods Bioswales improve water quality and control flooding by capturing and slowing stormwater. Bioswales are often planted with native vegetation, which provide additional nutrient reduction benefits.

Two biocells at Buffalo United Methodist Church add a touch of green to the front yard while infiltrating stormwater runoff.

The church took advantage of the City's Stormwater Best Managment Practices Cost-Share Program.

Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust • Coe College • St. Mark’s Methodist Church • Northwest Recreation Center

BIOCELLS

Permeable pavers allow water to seep through their joints instead of rolling directly off paved surfaces into the storm sewer. The runoff can be directed into underground detention basins, storing great quantities of water during heavy rain events.

Biocells store rainwater on site and encourage infiltration while naturally cleaning pollution found in stormwater.

Crestwood Ridge • Buffalo United Methodist Church

KNOW THE FLOW!

Hydro is an expert on water — where it goes when it rains and how you can help keep our streams and rivers clean and safe.

Visit CityofCR.com/KnowTheFlow to learn how you can play your part!

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Photo: A raised vertical well sits above the 2008 Flood level.

10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

MAINTAINING SAFE

DRINKING WATER The Cedar Rapids Water Division has invested in key infrastructure improvements to ensure we can deliver some of the best tasting water in Iowa to our customers — rain or shine, flood or drought.

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n 2008, flood waters reached

wells and three horizontal collector

so high only one well was left to

wells were submerged.

provide the entire City with clean

water. One after another, 43 vertical

With assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following the flood, the City raised the height of every affected vertical well to a level higher than the 2008 Flood. The project also raised electrical equipment for each affected horizontal collector well to protect

Flood) have since increased Cedar Rapids’ ability to draw water and meet customer need. One horizontal collector well can provide as much water as five to ten vertical wells.

The City of Cedar Rapids also maintains a drought response plan which incorporates water conservation measures based on the availability of water and the impact of extended significant demand on our water supply.

Whether it’s a record-breaking flood threatening to submerge our

from future flood damage.

well system or a severe drought

Conversely, prolonged drought

supply, the Cedar Rapids Water

conditions in 2012 also impacted the City’s water supply. The construction of two new horizontal collector wells

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(installed above the height of the 2008

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threatening to dry up our water Division is prepared to respond to Mother Nature’s swings.

Photos courtesy HDR

KEEPING POLLUTION IN CHECK

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he City’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) is one of the few advanced wastewater

treatment facilities in the state of Iowa—capable of treating as many as 125 million gallons of residential and industrial wastewater every day. For perspective, this is approximately

the same capacity for waste treatment as a city the size of Minneapolis. Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity depend upon the facility.

The 2008 Flood caused the City’s WPCF approximately $89 million in damage and forced the facility offline for 12 days. More than two-thirds of the site was underwater during the flood crest.

Soon after, the City developed a plan to preserve this critical resource. The City partnered with FEMA and the state of Iowa, investing approximately $22 million in all to protect the facility from future flooding.

In 2014, flood protection measures were completed at the WPCF. A major earthen levee segment was the second to be complete after 2008, following the construction of the downtown amphitheatre. The levee works in conjunction with a 16-foot floodwall, protecting the WPCF from future flooding at the volume of the 2008 Flood.

New pump stations allow the facility to remain operational during high-water events, ensuring treated wastewater and stormwater that falls on the facility will exit the plant. Without this critical protection element, the facility would experience internal flooding.

These features enhance Cedar Rapids’ resiliency, boosting the community’s ability to rebound from and thrive after a flood. With flood protection in place, crucial plant operations are able to continue unabated during a flood event, as they did during the 2016 Flood.

Water Pollution Control facility during the 2008 Flood.

The City's investment in flood protection measures keeps the facility dry during major flooding.

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10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

CITY IMT CONTINUES PLANNING federal resources are needed to mitigate an incident.

According to Jason Andrews, a Fire Department Battalion Chief, one of the misconceptions about an IMT is that

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they “take over operations.” To the he decorated World War II leader

Jeff Hembera, a Police Department

succinctly summarized the benefit

Captain, noted that the 2008 Flood

of an Incident Management Team.

“taught us that it is imperative to have

documentation, and guidance to City leaders to make decisions. Chief Andrews said, “The goal of the IMT is to help our

While the details of a plan designed

a management structure in place to

months or years in advance are often

ensure an organized, efficient, and

incorrect, the thorough exploration of

orderly response to a critical incident.

operations and contingencies throughout

Since the 2008 Flood, we have continued

the planning process become crucial

to improve by working together as a

knowledge to appropriate actions as

team rather than as independent City

from individuals across all departments.”

future events evolve.

departments. The IMT provides an

The IMT was activated in July 2012 to

The City of Cedar Rapids has an Incident Management Team (IMT) to meet the demands of small or large emergency or non-emergency situations. The IMT has representatives from all City

organized structure that is in place prior to an incident which allows the City to respond faster and in an organized manner, ultimately benefitting Cedar Rapids and the citizens we serve.”

City government to return to normal operations as soon as possible. The IMT benefits the city because it taps in to the experience, skills, and specialized training

help prepare for 20,000 bicycle riders and guests when RAGBRAI included an overnight stay in Cedar Rapids.

Contingency plans were conceptualized for multiple emergency scenarios such as a severe thunderstorm endangering

departments to provide an effective and

Since 2008, the IMT has been conducting

efficient incident management system

training exercises to ensure that the City

that integrates a combination of facilities,

has an emergency management structure

equipment, personnel, procedures,

in place before an incident occurs. The

and communications that operate

IMT revolves around five major functional

flood crest in May 2013.

together under a common organizational

areas: command, operations, planning,

structure.

logistics, and finance and administration.

During the September 2016 Flood, the

This structure aligns with the Incident Command System, which is a key feature of the National Incident Management System, as a means of managing planned events, natural disasters, or acts of terrorism. The Incident Command System represents "best practices" and has become the standard for emergency management across the country. It is used by all levels of government, which is critical especially when county, state, and

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contrary, the IMT provides coordination,

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the bicyclists to a major accident injuring several riders. The IMT was also assembled for an anticipated 20-foot

IMT was again in operation to support the tremendous efforts of city employees, city management, and the community in minimizing damage from another historic Cedar River crest. Currently, the IMT is preparing operational plans for the newbo evolve event in August 2018.

No one wants to have a disaster effect their home, workplace, or community.

But, being prepared is crucial and the IMT will continue planning.

INTERIM FLOOD CONTROL PLAN

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n June 2008, the Cedar River crested at over 31 feet — 19 feet above flood level and more than 11 feet above any previous flood. Nobody had ever

anticipated a flood of such massive proportions. And the rain just kept coming.

Since 2008, major flood events have increased in frequency and circumstance. In 2009, City Council approved an Interim Flood Control Plan to protect our city from another total disaster. In conjunction with the Flood Control System, the interim plan ebbs and flows with the river, capable of responding to expected river levels between 18 - 28 feet — just below the level of the 2008 Flood.

The plan — a combination of hundreds of storm sewer pumps, plugs, and wells, and miles of HESCO barriers and earthen berms — provides protection on both sides of the river, fighting off water above and beneath the ground.

2016 FLOOD City staff are constantly learning from and adjusting the interim plan. As crest predictions climbed during the 2016 Flood, staff designed, engineered, and constructed new techniques within hours to help address changing conditions in the field.

Personnel from multiple City departments, other municipalities, and private contractors and engineering firms mobilized an immediate flood protection response that was constructed in less than three days to fight off what would become the river’s second-highest crest.

Of note, drastic measures were taken to keep the river from backing up into the City’s storm sewers.

Since the 2016 Flood, new pump stations, major well gates, and levees have been constructed on the river’s east side, preventing such a need in the future.

Today, the Interim Flood Control Plan is a living document that is continuously updated as additional portions of the permanent Flood Control System are built.

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10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

CEDAR RAPIDS’

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT The Cedar River Flood Control System is arguably one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the city’s history, aimed at preventing another historic disaster like the 2008 Flood and eliminating the need to construct temporary barriers in emergency situations similar to the 2016 Flood.

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pproximately 7.5 miles long, the

Plan was created with engineering analysis

Flood Control System will be

and extensive community outreach, and

designed to protect to the 2008

was developed to protect as many flood-

Flood volume on both sides of the river.

Engineering teams planned the system to include a combination of permanent and removable floodwalls, earth levees, pump stations, detention basins, gates, and a new elevated bridge.

vulnerable properties as possible.

Some segments of the plan have already been completed, such as the levee, pump station, and detention basin in the low-lying NewBo District. Underway this year is the construction of a levee in the

While the protection itself is critical, it

Czech Village District. Other segments

is just as important that the system be

coming online soon include a floodwall

compatible with the community and the

at Quaker Oats, which will play a role in

surrounding neighborhoods.

the protection of the Downtown District;

“We have always wanted our flood control measures to be more than an engineering project,” says Flood Control System Program Manager Rob Davis.

“Thankfully, the system won’t be used 100 percent of the time, so it’s important that we incorporate aesthetics, recreational opportunities, and cultural or historic attractions that add to the enjoyment of residents in their day-to-day lives outside of flood emergencies.”

City Council formally adopted the Cedar River Flood Control System Master Plan on June 23, 2015, which serves as the guiding document on where and approximately when pieces of the system will be built and what they will look like. The Master

and the replacement and elevation of the 8th Avenue Bridge, which will keep a critical transportation network open during high river stages. In the Time Check neighborhood in northwest Cedar Rapids, a newly constructed memorial plaza helps celebrate and honor one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the 2008 Flood. Future protection in that neighborhood includes a levee and public greenways.

“Cedar Rapids is known as a river town, and we want that to be a positive, not a negative,” says Public Works Director

LEVEE

Jen Winter. “Our flood protection should

PERMANENT WALL

celebrate the river, allow residents to enjoy it, while also acknowledging and addressing our history of flood risk.”

REMOVEABLE WALL GATES USACE ALIGNMENT

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADDITIONAL PROJECTS AND SEE THE FULL PLAN ONLINE AT WWW.CITYOFCR.COM/FLOODCONTROL.

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NORTH END INDUSTRIAL ALIGNMENT DETENTION AREA

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT:

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NewBo Levee COMPLETE | Half a mile long, ranges between 13 - 23 ft. tall on average; designed for 2008 Flood volume. Includes a 12 ft. wide concrete bike/pedestrian trail.

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NewBo Detention Basin COMPLETE | 4.4 acres used to store excess rain water until it can be pumped back into the river.

Also includes paved lot for excess snow storage during winter snow removal efforts.

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NewBo Pump Station at Sinclair COMPLETE | Used when underground flood gates are closed and rain water needs to be pumped back into the river. Capacity of 2,500 gallons per minute.

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NewBo Pump Station at Parking Lot 44 COMPLETE | Located between 8th and 12th Avenues; protects community from rain inundation. Pumping capacity is 12,000 gallons per minute, and expandable to 24,000 gallons per minute.

RECENTLY COMPLETED AND UPCOMING

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Time Check / Northwest Neighborhood Memorial COMPLETE | Situated along O Avenue NW and Ellis Blvd, the Northwest Gateway and Memorial Plaza includes greenway space, benches, and a memorial wall with historical narrative that shares the resiliency of the Northwest Neighborhood following the 2008 Flood. The plaza also features a distinctive gateway that will welcome residents and visitors, and a privatelyfunded sculpture called “West Side Rising.”

Permanent, future flood control for the Time Check Neighborhood will be a combination of levees and gates, integrated with greenways and recreational fields.

Masaryk Park Historic Monuments CONSTRUCTION AND RELOCATION: 2019 | The Masaryk Park Monuments are a collection of markers and memorial benches that recall individuals significant to the history and development of the New Bohemia District. They were removed during construction of the levee, and will be relocated to a new site in the district.

Czech Village Levee CONSTRUCTION: 2018 - 2020 | Utility relocations were completed in 2017. The levee will stretch half a mile from the Linn County Solid Waste Agency to 16th Avenue. Approximately 16 - 20 ft. tall on average; will incorporate walking/ bike trail. Designed to protect to 2008 volume; until it ties into the full system, it will provide protection up to a 19.5 feet river surge.

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Quaker Oats Floodwall CONSTRUCTION: 2018 - 2021 | First major permanent flood protection for the downtown, in addition to protection for one of the nations’ leading agricultural producers. 2,100 linear feet of floodwall; includes pump station upgrades, water main relocation, and railroad closure gate.

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8th Avenue Bridge BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION: 2023 (TENTATIVE) | Replacing and elevating the 80+ year-old bridge, ensuring access to both the east and west sides of the river during emergency flood events, which typically require the closure of all downtown bridges.

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10 YEARS - RISING ABOVE

FUNDING PERMANENT FLOOD PROTECTION

F

unding for permanent flood protection is critical in order to protect the economic investment that has taken place in Cedar Rapids over the last 10 years, as well as to keep Cedar Rapids residents out of harm’s way.

While work has begun, we still have a vital need for funding to complete permanent flood protection. We have leveraged state funds that will cover $284 million —

35 percent of the total cost — but federal and City contributions are a critical part of our plan.

We continue to seek federal appropriation of $78 million in funding from the 2014 WRRDA bill approval for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ flood project.

The City of Cedar Rapids has committed to contributing $110 million to share in

our portion of the funding needs in order to protect both the east and west sides of the river. City leaders are currently developing ideas to determine a funding source for the City’s commitment as well as additional funding gaps necessary to construct the entire system.

In September 2016 our community was reminded that what happened in 2008 could happen again. Developing a clear funding plan for construction of permanent flood protection will ensure our City’s economy is able to continue to grow and thrive.

RECEIVE UP TO $2,000

TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR LAWN & LANDSCAPING

ENROLL IN AUTO PAY

LEARN MORE AND APPLY ONLINE AT:

www.CityofCR.com/stormwater

Pay your Cedar Rapids Utility Bill on time, every time.

Cedar Rapids residents interested in implementing Stormwater Best Management Practices on their properties can receive reimbursement up to 50% of project costs, up to $2,000!

Never miss another bill! Simple and secure payments from your bank account on your due date.

www.CityofCR.com/autopay

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NORTHWEST WATER TREATMENT PLANT

J AVENUE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

CITY O F C EDA R R AP I D S

2017

Water Quality Report 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.

www.CityofCR.com/WaterReport

IMPROVING

WATER QUALITY FOR ALL

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, and other significant stakeholders upstream to improve soil health and water quality. The Middle Cedar Partnership Project (MCPP) is one example of how a collective effort can work to reduce surface runoff that contributes to Cedar River flooding. Here are some practices implemented in and on the outer edges of fields in the MCPP area:

Cover Crops

Crops planted during or after harvest control soil erosion, increase water retention, and improve nutrient uptake.

In 2017, 15.5% of the MCPP target area was part of a cover crop program.

Bioreactors

Drainage water is routed through trenches filled with woodchips, reducing the amount of nitrates delivered downstream. In 2017, a bioreactor was installed in the MCPP target area.

Saturated Buffers

Control structures can be installed to divert drainage water, which raises the water table. Nitrates filter out through soil in the buffer when the drainage water interacts with plants and microbes.

In 2017, two saturated buffers were installed in the MCPP target area.

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 runoff.

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.

Wetlands

Drainage water is routed through wetlands, providing wildlife habitat and other benefits. Wetland plants take in nutrients from the drainage, reducing nitrates downstream.

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.

Project Updates

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KIRKWOOD TANK

J AVE. WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Construction of a new 1.5 million gallon tank began in 2017 and will be completed in 2018. The new tank will increase the resiliency of the water distribution system and enhance fire protection in the neighborhood.

Work is underway on Phase II of a multiphase project that will bring necessary updates to the original 1929 water treatment facility. Upgrades will help ensure the facility can meet full production demands O U R Cwhen R | necessary J U N E in 2 0the 1 8future.

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:

Oxbow Restoration

Remnants from river and creek paths that have disconnected from the main channel can be restored and reconnected to the watercourse, providing habitat, flood storage capacity, and reducing sediment and nutrient loads. In 2017, with the help of The Nature Conservancy, both Linn County and Cedar Rapids restored oxbows.

Branching Out

Alliant Energy and Trees Forever help groups plant trees to capture stormwater, sequester atmospheric carbon, and reduce local air pollution and noise levels. With help from volunteers and the forestry division, the Cedar Rapids Utilities Department has planted 192 new trees on City property since 2015.

1,000 Acres Pollinator Initiative

Cedar Rapids is partnered with the Monarch Research Project to convert unproductive public land into rich pollinator habitats which benefit stormwater and nutrient management.

Cedar Rapids installed 182 acres of new native prairie in 2017 as part of the county-wide initiative. Plans to convert 86 more acres in 2018 will bring Cedar Rapids’ total to more than 400 acres of native prairie.

Solar Projects

Cedar Rapids installed 174 kW of solar at three water booster stations, projecting $298,000 in energy cost savings over the life of the panels and a 275-thousand pound reduction of CO2 emissions every year. SolSmart rates Cedar Rapids and Linn County gold for their solar-ready initiatives.

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

Saturday, June 2 8 a.m. - Noon, Downtown Farmers' Market Thursday, June 28 5 - 6 p.m., NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St. SE

17

WHERE OUR WATER COMES FROM 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.

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.

WATER

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

18

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.

ENGINEERING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT WATER SOURCE (WELLS)

$0.39

DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE WATER TREATMENT OUR CR

|

Meter and Customer Service $0.53

$0.62

$0.97

$1.69 JUNE 2018

$4.15 buys Water Source (Wells) $0.46

$0.48

METER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Engineering and Administrative Support $0.35

you 1,000 gallons of clean water Distribution and Storage $0.90 Water Treatment $1.62

Treatment Process Highlights 1

Aeration

2

Once water has been drawn from the wells into the City’s treatment plants, it undergoes aeration. Raw or untreated water is allowed to cascade down a series of trays, increasing the surface area of the water and promoting the exchange of gases. Aeration also removes undesirable gases such as radon.

Aeration is similar to the natural process that occurs when a stream flows through rapids or over falls.

Softening

The Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) adds lime chemical to the water.

This softens or reduces the minerals that typically make water “hard.”

Excessive hardness increases soap use, deposits scale in water heaters and boilers, interferes with some industrial processes, and sometimes gives water an unappealing taste and odor.

Resulting lime residual materials are removed and applied to farmland as soil conditioner or used as fill in approved land reclamation projects.

Ammonia

3

Recarbonation and Chlorination

4

Filtration

The CRWD lowers water pH by adding carbon dioxide and adds chlorine to disinfect the water. The chlorine helps ensure our water’s microbiological safety by killing disease-causing organisms.

The CRWD also adds a trace amount of ammonia to form chloramine to help the disinfection process.

Water is then passed through a sand and gravel filter bed, removing any remaining suspended matter.

Lime

Out to Homes, Businesses & Storage

In from Wells

Carbon Dioxide Chlorine Added

Chloramines formed (compound of chlorine and ammonia)

Fluoride Phosphate

UV Disinfection

5

UV Disinfection

Next, the water enters the ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system where special lamps emit ultraviolet light into the water.

The UV energy instantly damages the genetic material of any microorganisms in the water, eliminating their ability to reproduce and cause infection. Following UV disinfection, water passes through a contact tank where time is provided for the chlorine compound created in Step 3 to complete the disinfection process.

$

4.15

PER 1,000 GALLONS FROM CITY

6

Fluoridation and Phosphate Addition

7

After UV disinfection, the CRWD adds fluoride to promote children’s dental health. Phosphate is also added to chemically stabilize the water and lessen the possibility that lead and copper will leach out of pipes and fixtures into tap water.

$

Distribution

From here, 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.

.00

880

PER 1,000 GALLONS PURCHASED AT THE STORE

W W W . C E D A(AT R - $.88/GALLON) RAPIDS.ORG

CITY OF CEDA R RA P I D S

19

Water Quality Findings

This table summarizes required water quality monitoring results for regulated parameters that were detected in the 2017 calendar year. A comprehensive report of all water quality testing is available from the Water Division.

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

Arsenic

μg/L

10

0

No

ND - 1.03

0.49 t

ND - 0.61

0.36 t

Nitrate

mg/L

10

10

No

0.38 - 6.53

6.53

¤

0.64 - 6.60

6.6

Nitrite

mg/L

1

1

No

ND - 0.08

0.08

¤

ND - 0.06

0.06

Sodium

mg/L

NA

NA

No

NA

13.0 †

NA

11.0 †

Erosion of natural deposits; added to water during treatment process

Fluoride

mg/L

4

4

No

0.44 - 0.93

0.69 t

ND - 0.85

0.64 t

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

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

ORGANIC CHEMICALS

¤

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

¤

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

Discharge from petroleum factories.

J Ave Plant Detect from 2016, 2017 result = ND

Toluene

mg/L

1

1

No

ND - 0.0005

0.0005 †

NA

ND

Atrazine

μg/L

3

3

No

ND - 0.20

0.06 t

ND - 0.20

0.07 t

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

RADIONUCLIDES

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

Combined Radium

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

1.1 †

NA

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Radium -226

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

ND

NA

ND

Erosion of natural deposits

Radium -228

pCi/L

5

0

No

NA

1.1 †

NA

0.8 †

Erosion of natural deposits

Gross Alpha

pCi/L

15

0

No

NA

ND

NA

0.7 †

Erosion of natural deposits.

NW Plant Detect from 2015, 2017 result = ND

RANGE

REPORTED

RANGE

REPORTED

1.66 Ö

0.57 - 2.86

1.64 Ö

TREATMENT TECHNIQUE INDICATORS Total Organic Carbon

Turbidity

Removal Credits

TT

NA

No

NTU

TT

NA

No

0.12 - 3.07

Naturally present in the environment

Running Annual Average TOC Credits must be > 1.0 0.04 - 0.10

0.10

¤

0.02 - 0.47

% > 0.3 NTU

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

0.47

¤ Soil runoff

% > 0.3 NTU 0.0003

0

¤

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 - 48.2

3.9

7.8

2

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Copper

mg/L

1.3

1.3

NO

0.0035 0.2350

0.0775

0.0833

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

104

104

105

104

104

115

104

104

101

108

108

108

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

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

In September 2017 we incurred a Tier 3 Monitoring Violation by only collecting 97 of the required 100 routine water samples to test for the presence of total coliform bacteria. We have modified how monthly sample collection is tracked to more completely reflect all samples that are collected and ensure appropriate sample designations are documented.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

DISINFECTANT & DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS UNITS

MCL

MCLG

VIOLATION

RANGE

REPORTED

Total Chlorine Residual

mg/L

4

4

No

2.1 - 3.9

3.5 t

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

μg/L

80

NA

No

ND - 3.4

2.6*

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

μg/L

60

NA

No

ND

ND

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Water additive used to control microbial growth

*Highest LRAA at Site DB02

KEY:

20

t Highest Running Annual Average |

¤ Maximum Value

| † Single Result | Ö Lowest Running Annual Average | Highest Locational Running Annual Average

OUR CR

|

JUNE 2018

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

24.1 - 30.9

26.9

22.0 - 29.4

25.4

Copper

mg/L

NA

1.0

ND - 0.0086

0.0038

ND - 0.0100

0.0055

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Manganese

mg/L

NA

0.05

0.0049 - 0.0322

0.0154

ND - 0.0048

0.0004

Corrosion of household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits

Sulfate

mg/L

NA

250

23.9 - 35.4

28.0

22.9 - 36.0

27.8

Zinc

mg/L

NA

5

0.1800 - 0.2700

0.2031

0.1850 - 0.2450

0.2186

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

ORGANIC CHEMICALS

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT

Chloroform

μg/L

NA

70

1.0 - 1.4

1.2

1.6 - 2.1

1.9

Bromodichloromethane

μg/L

NA

0

NA

ND

ND - 0.7

0.3

Dichloroacetic Acid

μg/L

NA

0

2.0 - 3.0

2.2

1.0 - 3.0

2.2

Trichloroacetic Acid

μg/L

NA

20

NA

ND

ND - 1.0

0.2

Metolachlor

μg/L

NA

NA

ND - 0.20

0.07

ND - 0.30

0.10

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

pCi/L

NA

NA

36 - 70

56 t

19 - 43

28 t

RADIONUCLIDES Radon

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

UCM R2 ( UNREGULATED C O N T A MIN A N T MO N IT O R IN G R U L E ) 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 NITROSAMINE COMPOUNDS

J AVE. TREATMENT PLANT

N-nitroso- dimethyl amine (NDMA) µg/L

J AVE. DISTRIBUTION AREA

NW PLANT DISTRIBUTION AREA

NW TREATMENT PLANT

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

RANGE

AVG

0.0032 - 0.0056

0.0043

0.0038 - 0.0059

0.0052

ND - 0.0027

0.0007

ND - 0.0097

0.0051

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

AC R O NYMS

UCMR3 (UNREGULATED CON T AM I NA N T MO N IT O R IN G R U L E ) - 2 0 1 3

J Ave. Treatment Plant

1,4 Dioxane

Chromium 6+

Total Chromium

Total Molybdenum

Total Strontium

Total Vanadium

Range

ND - 0.12

1.3 - 2.0

1.5 - 1.9

1.0 - 1.7

58 - 69

0.95 - 1.5

Average

0.030

1.7

1.7

1.4

64

1.2

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

J Ave. Distribution Area

Range

NA

1.3 - 1.9

1.5 - 1.8

1.1 - 1.7

55 - 69

0.94 - 1.5

Average

NA

1.7

1.7

1.5

63.5

1.2

mg/L: Milligrams per liter or parts per million

NW Treatment Plant

Range

ND - 0.078

1.4 - 1.9

1.6 - 2.1

ND - 1.3

69 - 75

1.1 - 1.2

Average

0.038

1.6

1.8

0.88

73.3

1.2

μg/L: Micrograms per liter or parts per billion

Range

NA

1.3 - 1.8

1.5 - 2.0

1.1 - 1.6

63 - 70

1.1 - 1.3

Average

NA

1.6

1.7

1.5

66

1.2

NW Plant Distribution Area

MCL

NA

NA

100

NA

NA

NA

Units

µg/L

µg/L

µg/L

µg/L

µg/L

µg/L

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

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.

Lead µg/L

Nitrate mg/L

Arsenic µg/L

Total Coliform cfu/100ml

E.coli cfu/100ml

Copper µg/L

Zinc µg/L

Manganese µg/L

Iron µg/L

Sodium mg/L

TOC mg/L

2015 Annual Average

ND

4.0

1.15

720

<1

2.8

1.0

214.9

65.1

11.9

2.10

2016 Annual Average

ND

5.5

3.05

33

<1

6.8

2.1

166.0

63.4

9.2

2.56

2017 Annual Average

0.37

4

1.25

65

<1

8.8

4.4

170.3

110.6

9.5

1.94

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Glossary 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 man-made 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

OUR CR

|

JUNE 2018

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

Animals

900 76th Avenue Drive 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

D.Kolosik@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

th

th

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

319-286-5993

AnimalControlMgmt@Cedar-Rapids.org

Land Development

st

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 City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW Maintenance

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Street@Cedar-Rapids.org

Recreation Programs

319-286-5566

Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org

Sewer Backup or Problems City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org

Traffic Signals, Signs and City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW Markings

319-286-5802 (option 2)

Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org

Utility Billing

319-286-5900

WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org

Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW

City Hall, 101 1st Street SE

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

23

24

OUR CR

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JUNE 2018