HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2018 Utility InsertThe facts about hard & soft water
Iowa City tap water is softened at the treatment plant.Water hardness is not a health concern.
You can usually detect evidence of hard water in a home. Signs of hard water include: soap
scum on bathtubs, shower tiles, and basins, and a white ring in the kettle after boiling water. Our
treatment process removes about 2/3 of the hardness, changing very hard water into moder-
ately soft water. Some homeowners in Iowa City choose to further reduce water hardness by
using a home water softening unit. Iowa City has an average of 6 grains of hardness.
Other interesting facts about Iowa City water:
6 A gallon of Iowa City tap water costs one penny for an average residential customer!
6 Iowa City tap water is non-corrosive, helping to prolong the life of your plumbing and
fixtures.
6 Tired of lugging bags of salt to refill your home-softening unit? Retire your home water
softener, save some money and your back!
For more info from the
Iowa City Water Division:
319-356-5164
www.icgov.org/water
You probably know …But did you know?
Flood-risk maps identify 1% annual-chance (100-year) and 0.2%
annual-chance (500-year) floodplains.
The only “repetitive loss property” (has flooded more than once)
in Iowa City is not in a mapped floodplain!
Flood insurance is mandatory for structures in the 1% annual-
chance floodplain that are purchased through a federal program or
with a federally insured mortgage.
In Iowa City, flood insurance premiums for structures in the 1%
annual-chance floodplain are automatically discounted 20%!
You can get flood insurance for structures that are not in a mapped
floodplain, and premiums are affordable. Renters can purchase flood insurance for contents coverage.
Garbage in streams and ditches will block storm drains.Raking leaves into the street clogs curb inlets.
It’s not safe to play in floodwater, or drive on flooded roadways.Water facts: 1 cubic foot weighs 62 pounds, 12 inches will float a
vehicle, and 6 inches can knock you off your feet.
If you see debris clogging a stream, ditch, or inlet, REPORT A CONCERN at icgov.org or call 319-356-5181. For building regulations in flood
hazard areas, visit icgov.org (search “Iowa City flood facts”) or contact Julie Tallman at 319-356-5132 (julie-tallman@iowa-city.org).
Iowa City’s flood risks www.icgov.org
Summer is a busy time for garage sales and open houses. In Iowa
City, yard signs must be on your residential property. Follow these
basic rules:
1. Keep signs on your property, not in the right of way (the area
between the street and sidewalk)
2. If you live on a corner lot, signs cannot block the vision triangle
of the street
The public right of way needs to be clear so underground utilities
remain accessible. Visual clutter can also distract drivers and hinder
those using sidewalks. City staff will remove signs from the public
right of way if they are observed or reported.
Know the rules for placing
yard signs in Iowa City
For questions about sign location, or to inquire about
reclaiming a sign, call 319-356-5135.
Removed signs are typically kept for a week.
Host RAGBRAI riders overnight when they
‘Book It’ to Iowa City
Be part of the ultimate welcoming committee when thousands of riders stay overnight in
Iowa City on Friday, July 27!
Apply to host riders by providing yard camping space or indoor accommodations at
iowacityragbrai.com/residents/host-a-rider. Host housing will be most needed in
neighborhoods located near Downtown Iowa City, where the main entertainment
will take place. The deadline to register as a volunteer host is July 1.
RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa draws about
12,000 riders from across the world. Iowa City last hosted in 1976.