Coralville Muni Water System

Water quality is the primary commitment of the City of Coralville Water Division. We believe providing accurate information is the best way to assure you that your municipal water is safe. This Consumer Confidence Report summarizes our water monitoring program results as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during 2017.

Coralville water comes from three distinct underground aquifers: The Jordan (Cambrian-Ordovician), Silurian, and Pleistocene aquifers. Contamination vulnerability varies by depth - the deeper Jordan and Silurian aquifers are considered well-protected, while the shallower Pleistocene aquifer faces higher risks from surface contaminants like gas stations, industrial sites, and wastewater discharge.

Infrastructure improvements remain a priority. In 2018, the Water Department focused on replacing the aging 6" cast iron water main along 1st Avenue with new 12" ductile iron pipe. Similar upgrades were made along 6th Street and 2nd Avenue to improve distribution capacity and fire safety throughout northwest Coralville.

The water plant expansion project, nearly completed in 2018, has doubled our processing capacity to 8,000 gallons per minute. During emergency repairs, temporary service disruptions may occur. For information about water main breaks, contact the water plant at 319-248-1770 during business hours or 319-530-6225 after hours.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, with organ transplants, HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers regarding municipal water consumption.

Elevated nitrate levels (above 10 ppm) can pose serious health risks to infants under six months, potentially causing blue baby syndrome. Parents of infants should seek medical advice if concerned about nitrate exposure.

Many customers ask about bottled water safety compared to tap water. The FDA establishes bottled water contaminant limits that provide the same public health protections as EPA's municipal water regulations. All water labeled "drinking water" must meet these standards.

If you're concerned about lead exposure, which primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing materials rather than source water, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water has been sitting. Testing is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline for those with concerns.

Stormwater Management FAQ

1. Do different towns have stormwater user fees?
   Numerous municipalities across the United States have established stormwater utilities to fund their management programs and facilities. Iowa communities with such systems include Ames, Bettendorf, Boone, Burlington, Carroll, Coralville, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Norwalk, Sioux City, Waukee, Windsor Heights, and West Des Moines.
2. What is an ERU?
   An ERU (equal residential unit) measures impervious surface area on a property. The City of Clive defines one ERU as 3,667 square feet of impervious surface area.
3. How is impervious surface calculated?
   The Community Development Department calculates ERUs using the most current aerial imagery available and/or impervious surface data from approved Site Plans for the property.
4. How are stormwater management fees calculated?
   Properties are charged based on total impervious surface area divided by one ERU. Single-family homes are charged for one ERU, while commercial properties pay for their proportional share. For example, a business with 10,000 square feet of impervious surface would be billed for 2.73 ERUs (10,000 ÷ 3,667 = 2.73), resulting in a monthly fee of $13.65 (2.73 × $5.00).
5. How are multi-family dwellings charged?
   Duplex dwellings are treated as two separate single-family units. Townhomes attached horizontally count as individual single-family dwellings. Buildings with three or more residential units are categorized as commercial/industrial properties.
6. What if I believe my bill is incorrect?
   If you suspect an error in your impervious surface calculation, you may file a written appeal with the City Manager. Appeals should include a survey prepared by a registered Iowa land surveyor or professional engineer documenting total property area, impervious surface area, and relevant hydrological features. Consider scheduling a meeting with city staff before appealing to review the data used for your fee calculation.