Utility Information
Utility Rates
Click here to read current utility rates
To begin utility services: A $100 deposit is required to start service, but the deposit will be waived if you set up an automatic payment (ACH) of your utility bill. We are transitioning to a new and improved platform for our customers to manage their utility accounts and billing preferences. The new platform, FrontDesk, will offer you the convenience of accessing your utility account and paying your monthly utility bill online in a single, easy-to-use-website. You can enroll in autopay, get electronic bills, and manage your account 24/7 online. Sign up today by going to: https://polkcityia.frontdeskgworks.com
Water / Sewer Service
Meter Reading & Billing
- Each month the water meter is read by a Neptune remote device, which produces a radio signal to transmit the meter reading recording your water usage.
- Meters are read between the 24th and 28th days of the month, which may vary depending on when the weekend occurs.
- Utility services billing statement will be sent out on the last business day of the month.
- Payment is due on or before the second to last business day of the following month.
- Payments received after the bill due date, are considered late and deliquent payment fee will be applied.
Find out about Polk City's water & sewer line repair plans offered through Polk City's partnership with HomeServe USA.
Wastewater
The City of Polk City is a member of the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA), which is made-up of metro area municipalities, counties and sewer districts. They work together to protect public health and to enhance the environment by recycling wastewater and being the preferred treatment facilities for hauled liquid wastes. The WRA includes a conveyance system and a treatment facility. The conveyance system connects each of the participating communities in Dallas, Polk and Warren Counties to the wastewater treatment facility. The system includes 125 miles of sanitary sewer with pipe sizes up to 144” in diameter, equalization basins and lift stations.
Routine Sewer Cleaning
The City of Polk City has a routine cleaning program of the sanitary sewers. We contract with a company to use a pressurized water jet and vacuum system to clean the City's sanitary sewer pipes. This will improve the sewer’s performance and significantly reduce the chance for future sewer backups and related problems.
Storm Water
Storm Intake Grates located in the streets are to collect water runoff from storms. Sometimes debris from yards and streets can block a storm grate and prevent it from properly draining. If you see a blocked storm grate or a storm grate that is broken or missing please contact City Hall.
Stormwater Utility Fee
Stormwater management fees are billed monthly to all customers to fund the City's Stormwater Management Program and facilities. Stormwater utility charges to properties are based on that property's need for stormwater management and facilities. Property owners are charged stormwater management fees based on the total impervious surface area on the property but no less than one ERU per dwelling unit. This impervious area includes driveways, rooftops, sheds, and other paved areas. An ERU (equivalent residential unit) is a measure of impervious surface on a property. The City of Polk City has established one ERU as 3,500 square feet of impervious surface.
The stormwater that flows off your property places a demand on a vast system of stormwater infrastructure, which is costly to operate and maintain. Existing water utility fees do not pay for stormwater management. However, the problem of water pollution has called attention to the need for greater safeguards in the management of stormwater. The City must minimize the impacts of flooding and storwater pollution from the runoff generated from rooftops, yards, parking lots, and streets.
The stormwater utility fees pay for operations and maintenance costs of the Stormwater Management Programs and facilities. Some of the services tied to the Stormwater Management Program include the provision of adequate systems of collection, conveyance, detention, treatment, and release of stormwater; the reduction of hazard to property and life resulting from stormwater runoff and flooding; improvement of general health and welfare through reduction of undesirable stormwater conditions and flooding; and improvements to the water quality in the stormwater and surface water systems and its receiving waters.
Water Outages
There are two types of water outages: scheduled and emergency. Scheduled outages include outages required for maintenance, repair, or alteration of the system. Emergency outages include water main breaks or system damage.
In the case of a scheduled outage every attempt will be made to notify all affected customers. Typically, crews will go door-to-door the day prior to the scheduled outage and if there is no answer a door hanger will be left.
Main Breaks
If a main break occurs in your neighborhood, DSM Water Works crews will work quickly to make the repair and restore water service. Due to the urgency of such situations, the crews make the repair process their top priority. Occasionally, this means water service may be interrupted for periods of time without prior notification.
When the water comes back on
There will likely be air in your water service piping when the water is turned back on. It is a good idea to run water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen immediately following a water outage. Bathtubs and hosed bibs are good candidates. Open faucets slowly to allow the air to escape. Air will make a spurting or hissing sound as it escapes through the faucet. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run for a minute or two. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, contact City Hall at 515-984-6233 for assistance.
If kitchen or bathroom faucets do not perform normally following a water outage it may be necessary to remove the aerator screen. Typically, the aerator can simply be unscrewed from the faucet. Inspect the screen for small particles and rinse away any you find. Reinstall the aerator and test performance of the faucet again. If you experience difficulties such as low pressure throughout the house following a water outage call City Hall at 515-984-6233 for assistance.