▼

Water Division

Show All Answers

1. Where does the City get its water?

The City of Manhattan uses groundwater as its source of drinking water. The City has 16 wells that pump groundwater to the water treatment plant.

2. How does the City treat our drinking water?

The City of Manhattan Water Treatment Plant, softens, fluoridates, disinfects (chlorinates), and filters our drinking water.

3. What is the quality of our drinking water?

The City of Manhattan Utilities Department prepares an annual report called Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), this report is a detailed summary of our drinking water quality. This CCR is published and mailed to all customers every June. Copies are available at City Hall at no charge or can be requested by calling (785) 587-4530.

4. When should I let someone know that my water bill is higher than usual?

Please call Customer Services (587-2480) AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR BILL. Waiting several days can make it impossible to track the cause of the higher usage.

5. Who do I call for water service or disconnect?

The Customer Service Division (785-587-2480) handles the water billing from sign-up to shut-off. They will set up your account for billing and answer questions regarding your account.

6. What is water hardness?

Water hardness is related to the amount of calcium, magnesium, or iron minerals in the water. The more of these minerals present in the water, the harder the water. Manhattan's water is considered moderately hard. It contains between 5 and 9 grains per gallon (or about 86 to 154 ppm) of hardness. The City of Manhattan softens the water to make it more palatable and to reduce the amount of soap and detergents used by customers. Water hardness of the City's finished water does not stay constant but varies daily depending on the blend mix from the 16 public water supply wells and the treatment process.

7. What is the fluoride level in the City's drinking water?

Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater. The concentration of fluoride in the raw water from the City's 20 pubic water supply wells is usually low (Less than 0.2 mg/L). Fluoride is added to the finished water at the City's Water Treatment Plant to help prevent tooth decay. The average concentration of fluoride in the finished water is 1.0 mg/L. At concentration below 0.7 mg/L, fluoride will not be of any benefit.

8. Can I install my own water service line? Will the Water Department extend the water service line to my house?

The Water Department will install a meter and extend a service line from the main to the meter. The property owner is responsible for extending the service line from the meter to the house. A plumber should be contacted for installation costs. You may install your own service line; however, it must meet all City specifications, and be of acceptable material and depth. You may contact the Water Department at 587-4530 or 587-4550 for more information.