Show All Answers

1. Who do I call if there is a water main break?

During normal business hours, call the Coralville Water Plant at 319.248.1770 or Utility Billing at 319.248.1715.

For an after hours water emergency, call 319.530.6225.

2. How will I know if the City shuts off my water for a repair?

• If a scheduled repair requires shutting off water to a residence or neighborhood, the City will hang notifications on doors two days in advance.
• If an emergency repair (such as a water main break) requires shutting off water, such as a water main break, the City does not have time to notify people door-to-door. Doing so would delay the repair. Staff must focus on making the repairs and restoring water service as soon as possible. In an emergency repair, staff may need to locate valves, open frozen valve lids, call for emergency underground utility locates, arrange for a contractor to be immediately on site, and notify the Streets Department if needed. 

If you have questions about about a repair which requires shutting off water, during normal business hours call the Coralville Water Plant at 319.248.1770 or Utility Billing at 319.248.1715. For an after hours water emergency, call 319.530.6225.

3. What happens if my water pressure is low?

Water pressure varies little from day to day unless there is a water main break or a distribution system repair interrupts service. However, there are places to look if you are experiencing low water pressure.

1. Do you have a water softener? The most frequent cause of low water pressure in a home is a malfunctioning water softener. The culprit: old resin. Softener resin when new looks like sand, but does not last forever. As it ages, the resin can become more resistant to water flowing through the tank. Eventually, the resin can become gelatinous and may restrict the flow of water through the tank. Open the bypass valve and see if that improves the water pressure in your home. If it does, call a water softener company for repair assistance. If you have an owner’s manual refer to the section that includes bypassing the unit.
2. Have you had someone recently working on plumbing? When older water shut off valves are opened or closed they can break in a position that restricts water flow. Valves on water heaters and water softeners are commonly operated while doing repairs, so make sure they are operating correctly. Valves in the home should be easy to turn when operating correctly. If a valve looks crusty, difficult to turn, or pieces are missing then the valve should be replaced. Good operating valves are important, especially if the water has to be turned off because of an emergency.
3. Is the flow of water adequately coming out of the faucet? Faucet screens should be removed from time to time and inspected for obstructions such as rust particles or calcium deposits. If enough holes in the aerator screen are blocked then water flow can be significantly reduced. This would be true for shower heads as well. Extremely encrusted drippy faucets that can’t be taken apart for repairs should be removed and replaced.
4. Do you have a water filter? Water filters should be checked and changed regularly. Water filters can be very effective in removing iron particles in the water, however if not maintained they can be the cause of reduced water pressure. Inspect and change water filters per manufacturer recommendations. This includes membrane filters, activated carbon cartridges, reverse osmosis cartridges, and other commercially made filtration devices.
5. In very rare instances water meters can slightly reduce pressure in a building. If you don’t have filters or a softener and are experiencing low water pressure, and all valves are new and operational then it might be the water meter causing the flow restriction.

There are many possible causes of low water pressure. If you need help or assistance, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 319.248.1770. One of our trained staff would be available to meet with you and at your residence or business to help identify the problem.