Water Treatment & Distribution

The Dubuque Water Department is dedicated to producing and delivering drinking water that is in compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. We continually strive to adopt new and better methods of delivering the best quality drinking water.

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Water Source

Dubuque’s water comes from a series of wells that pull water from underground aquifers. Our water is partially supplied by the Jordan Aquifer (also known as the Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer) and we also draw from the Mt. Simon Aquifer and Alluvial Aquifer. Of the nine wells Dubuque currently uses for our city water supply, there are four deep wells (1,000 ft.-1800 ft.), two that draw from the Jordan and two from the Mt. Simon Aquifer. We also use five shallow wells (200 ft.) which draw from the Alluvial Aquifers.

• Water in Dubuque (PDF)

Water Distribution

The City of Dubuque’s distribution system is composed of 330.4 miles of water mains ranging from 4-inch to 30-inch diameter, 8,008 control valves, and 2,606 fire hydrants throughout the city. It is our goal to operate and maintain a water distribution system consistent with established procedures recognized by the American Water Works Association for efficient management practices. 

• Water Distribution Services & Information
  
  

Replacing Water Meter Interface Units

City staff is proactively replacing approximately 5,000 water meter interface units (MIUs) per year to change out the approximately 25,000 devices in use by City water customers. 

The MIU is the small square device that is mounted on the exterior of homes and businesses and is connected by wire to the water meter inside the building. The water meter records the amount of water used by the customer and the MIU transmits that usage information to data collectors located throughout the city which, in turn, transmit the information to City Hall for billing purposes.  

The work will be conducted by water department staff wearing City of Dubuque uniforms and driving City fleet vehicles. Changing out the old MIUs for new devices is a quick process that does not disrupt water service or data collection. Water department staff do not need access to the interior of the building to make the switch so customers will not be notified when their MIU will be replaced. 

Customers with questions about this process may contact 563-589-4304 or cplumley@cityofdubuque.org.