MISSION
To provide a safe, potable water supply for customers of the Newton water utility within the guidelines and regulations of the state and federal government.
WATER TREATMENT
The water treatment plant is staffed by three full-time employees. Water treatment entails pumping water from the wells to the treatment facility and adding treatment chemicals. From there it is pumped to town via transmission lines. The division also operates Public Whole Sale Water Supply District #17.
WATER TREATMENT EMPLOYEES:
- Maintain wells and well houses.
- Provide well readings and gallons used.
- Complete sampling and lab work on water
- Maintain chemical content in water.
- Maintain chemical supply and pumps.
- Maintain high service pumps at plant and First street pump station.
- Provide 24 hours per day monitoring of water through SCADA system.
- Keep inventory of major fittings for distribution.
- Maintain treatment facility grounds.
- Interact with Kansas Department of Health and Environment on inspections and any problems occurred.
- Maintain records of water quality and quantity.
- Work annually on electric line burial plan.
- Maintain water towers and tanks.
- Maintain electrical system, including backup generation.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS
All three employees at the water treatment plant are certified State of Kansas water plant operators. One is a class IV water certified operator and the other two are class II water certified operators. Certified operator requirements include 10 hours of certified training per year by a school that is KDHE certified and monthly safety training.
WATER DISTRIBUTION
The staffing for water distribution consists of 10 full-time employees and two seasonal employees. The water distribution division maintains all of the water lines in town. This entails more than 145 miles of main water line and more than 7,500 water service lines and meters.
WATER DISTRIBUTION EMPLOYEES:
- Read 7,500 meters monthly.
- Change out 900 to 1,000 meters annually.
- Perform 1,500 non-payment shut-offs annually.
- Perform daily service orders.
- Perform daily water testing for fluoride and chlorine.
- Take 20 water samples monthly for coli form bacteria testing.
- Perform utility locates.
- Install 100 to 130 new water services annually.
- Repair and replace old services.
- Repair and replace fire hydrants
- Repair broken water mains.
- Replace water mains.
- Repair and replace water valves.
- Make taps on main water lines.
- Flush and test every fire hydrant annually.
- Complete a valve exercising program.
- Have two employees on call for 24-hour service.
TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS
The water distribution division has five certified State of Kansas operators, including one class IV water operator and four class II water operators. Certified operator requirements include 10 hours of certified training by a KDHE certified school per year. Employees also are certified in confined space and trenching and shoring and participate in monthly safety training.
Automatic Bill Payment
By signing up for our automatic bill payment plan, your monthly utility bill will automatically be deducted from the checking or savings account of your choice on the due date. You will eliminate the need to write a check every month, purchase stamps, and make trips to the mailbox. Once enrolled, you'll never have to worry about paying your bill because everything is taken care of automatically.
City Utility Fees @ Information Sheet
Newton Water Quality Report
