The city is responsible for 124.35 miles of water mains, 1,997 main line water valves, 1,624 fire hydrants and watch valves, 9,329 water service connections and 9,494 water meters.
The majority of the water lines are between six to eight inches; just a small portion of the lines are less than six inches in diameter or over 16 inches. The bulk of the water main lines are constructed of ductile or cast iron. In 2021, 1.875 feet of cast iron pipe was replaced with plastic PVC in 2021. Other materials in service include plastic and concrete. In 2021, seven of the 9 main line breaks occurred in cast iron mains; the remaining two breaks occurred in ductile iron lines.
Exercising water valves and hydrant flushing are an important part of the maintaining a sound system. The department exercises approximately 603 valves per year as a part of the six year program. In 2021, 47 water main valves were replaced. Hydrants are flushed twice were year and 16 hydrants were repaired/replaced in 2021. The Water Distribution Department also aggressively changes out lead water services lines as they are identified; a total of 62 lead service lines were removed in 2021.
Eighty-nine percent of the water meters in place service residential customers. The department also averaged 179 meters disconnects per month.