SERVICE INFORMATION
Water services are provided by the City of Nashua. City Utility Bills are mailed on the 1st of each month, with payment being due by the 20th of each month.
641-257-7240 M-F 7:30AM to 5:00PM
641-426-6110 After Hours Emergency Line.
641-257-7240 M-F 7:30AM to 5:00PM
641-426-6110 After Hours Emergency Line.
APPLY FOR SERVICE
An application for utility service must be completed in order to receive City Water services. Please fill out the correct PDF application and return it to City Hall.
SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION
The City of Nashua Water Supply System includes three (3) active wells which draw from two (2) separate aquifers – the Jordan and Devonian, a 300,000 gallon water tower, and miles of water utility mains. Approximately 100,000 gallons of water is pumped from the wells, disinfected by chlorination, and delivered each day. Nashua takes pride in providing clean water for drinking, fire protection and industrial use. This water, per IDNR (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) requirements, is tested daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and periodically according to Nashua’s Water Supply Operation Permit. Water quality is the primary commitment to the citizens and industries of Nashua, along with adequate and efficient supply. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act provides the rules and regulations to ensure safe drinking water.
WATER LEAKS
CITY'S WATER MAIN
The Water Department must shut down the water at times to a portion of Nashua in order to properly repair the City's water main. If the water leak is an emergency, repairs will start as soon as possible. If repairs are planned maintenance, residents and businesses will be notified in advance by a door-hanger notice as to the day and approximate time water will be shut off. The Water Superintendent works efficiently to ensure that your water is off for as short of time as possible and that the number of residents and businesses affected is as minimal as possible.
Once the water is turned back on, there may be air and rusty-looking water in the lines. To relieve this, simply turn on just the cold water faucet and let water run until it clears.
Following a water main incident in which the pressure of the main drops to 18 psi or less, a boil water notice will be sent out in accordance with IDNR regulations.
MEDIA OUTLETS USED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF "BOIL ORDER" OR "ADVISORY"
TV - KWWL broadcast and website (www.kwwl.com)
Radio - KCHA (Charles City) FM 95.9 and AM 1580
Internet - city website and city Facebook page (F@cityofnashuaia).
*For extremely small affected areas, a boil order/advisory may use door hangers to notify the implementation and lifting of boil notices.
DEFINITIONS
"BOIL WATER ADVISORY"
A boil water advisory is a precautionary measure issued by the water utility to alert customers when there is a potential for compromised water quality. It is recommended that customers boil all water used in the preparation of food and beverage for consumption for 3 minutes.
"BOIL WATER ORDER"
A boil water order is a confirmation that contamination is present in the water system. It is essential that customers boil all water used in the preparation of food and beverage for consumption for 3 minutes.
In general, only the customers who lost water pressure will fall under the advisory/order. Otherwise a “city-wide” advisory/order will be announced.
SERVICE LINES
The water service lines from the City's water main into your residence or business is the responsibility of the owner. There should be a shut-off valve located near the City’s water main and inside your home or business. To have the water service disconnected at the valve along the water main, contact City Hall for a customer service visit by the Water Superintendent. Charges may be applicable for service call visits. If water shut-off valves are discovered to be inoperable or leaky, property owners will be notified to make necessary repairs.
FROZEN PIPES
Water expands when it freezes. If water expands enough, pipes can burst, allowing water to escape, resulting in serious damage. Pipes made from both plastic (PVC) and copper can burst. A crack as small as 1/8" can cause a pipe to spew up to 250 gallons of water a day!
Here are some recommendations to help prevent issues during cold weather:
Here are some recommendations to help prevent issues during cold weather:
BEFORE WINTER
- Insulate - Pipes exposed in a home's attic or crawl space are the most susceptible to freezing.
- Tape/Cables - Water pipes can be wrapped with heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables. Be sure to use approved products only and follow manufacturer's instructions closely.
- Seal - Insulate or caulk around pipes, electrical wiring and dryer vents; sealing any small openings where cold air could leak in and cause nearby water pipes to freeze.
- Shut Off - Use an indoor valve to shut off & drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets and disconnect garden hoses.
WHEN COLD TEMPERATURES HIT
- Open Up - Uninsulated pipes under sinks need heat, as well. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach where pipes are near exterior walls.
- Stream – Consider allowing water to trickle from faucets overnight, especially those located on outside walls.
- Temperature Check - The normal temperature of the City of Nashua’s water supply averages 50°.
- Run Water - Run water from cold water faucet for a couple of minutes, then place thermometer under water stream and wait for the temperature to stop decreasing. If temperature is near 40°, continue to monitor. If water temperature drops below 40°, consider leaving a faucet running constantly at the diameter of a pencil to mitigate this issue.
- Notify - Notify the Utility Clerk at City Hall if you are running water for extended periods to mitigate water pipe freezing.
IF YOU ARE AWAY
- Check - Have a friend or neighbor check your home daily, if possible, to make sure the indoor temperature is maintained.
- Thermostat - Keep indoor temperature set at 55° or above.
- Drain - Shut off and drain water from system. (Keep in mind, this will de-activate fire sprinklers.)
IF PIPES SHOULD FREEZE
- Call Plumber - If nothing comes out when faucets are turned on, call a plumber and leave the faucets open. If you determine that a water pipe has burst, leave water faucets turned on and turn off water at the main shut-off valve inside the house or business.
- Thawing Pipes - Use a hair dryer to warm a frozen pipe, starting close to the faucet and moving towards the coldest section of the pipe. Never use an open flame or torch.
FLUSHING VALVES
During the summer months, the Water Superintendent flushes hydrants. This process clears the water mains of mineral build up. Advance notices will be made on the city website, city Facebook page, and postings at City Hall and Post Office. While hydrants are being flushed, you may experience decreased water pressure, air in the lines, and/or rusty-looking water. To relieve this, simply turn on just the cold water faucet and let water run until it clears.
MAINTENANCE
The Water Superintendent is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Nashua’s water distribution system, which includes wells, chlorine disinfection systems, water tower, water mains, valves, and hydrants. The Water Superintendent performs sampling and testing of groundwater and treated water in accordance with IDNR regulations, compiles and maintains required documentation, retrieves readings from manual-read meters, performs customer service calls, and oversees compliance of water utility ordinances.
The Water Superintendent maintains and updates mapping records of the distribution system, performs locate service calls, responds to emergency after-hours calls, prepares for and supervises water emergency operations to protect the integrity and quality of the water supply, and manages water utility infrastructure projects. The Water Superintendent also performs lawn mowing, assists with snow removal operations, and other duties as needed.