Water Treatment

The Water Treatment Division provides a complete treatment of water including chlorination, fluoridation, filtration and pumping. Pumping includes several remote booster pump stations and 3 storage tanks. Bacteriological laboratory facilities are maintained for the daily examination of samples collected from the plant and distribution system.

The City of Fort Madison's goal is to process a supply of potable water exceeding specifications as required by state and federal agencies in order to meet the needs and health requirements of the community and also to provide adequate water supply for city-wide fire protection. The water plant processes approximately 870,000,000 gallons per year.

Plant Information

Tours can be arranged by calling the plant. If you have water quality complaints, questions, contact the Water Treatment Plant.

Water Quality Control

The following are the parameters for water quality control for the finished water as it leaves the Water Treatment Plant:

ParameterRate
ChlorineFree Cl2, 1.1 to 1.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Total Cl2, 1.3 to 1.8 mg/L
Hardness80 to 130 mg/L as Calcium Carbonate
(4.7 to 7.6 grains)
Iron0.01 to 0.05 mg/L
Manganese0.1 mg/L
ParameterRate
pH7.9 to 8.3mg/L
Phenol Alkalinity0 to 16 mg/L
Phosphate0.2 to 0.6 mg/L
Total Alkalinity60 to 120 mg/L


The above numbers are realistic ones which we normally operate by. Any significant variations from them are usually temporary and brought back in line within a matter of a few hours.