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1. What information do I need to register my pet?

Proof of rabies vaccination (with rabies tag number and expiration date) and proof of spay or neuter. You can have your veterinarian fax a copy of the current rabies certificate and proof of alteration to 319-268-5126.

2. How many pets am I allowed to have?

You are allowed to have three dogs and/or three cats without having to qualify as a kennel.

3. Where do I get a pet license?

Pet Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's office at Cedar Falls City Hall, 220 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

4. Can I have a pet license mailed to me?

A pet license can be mailed to you for an additional $1.00/license by sending the appropriate payment and required documentation to Pet Licensing, City of Cedar Falls, 220 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

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1. What types of building projects require a building permit?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

2. What type of work does not require a building permit?

The following activities do not require a building permit: painting, wall papering, tiling and carpeting. For a more detailed list, contact the Building Inspections Division

3. What types of work require an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by City Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

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1. Where can I get my driver’s license in Cedar Falls?

There is no Driver’s license office in Cedar Falls. The Driver License Station for Black Hawk County is located at: Crossroad’s Mall 2060 Crossroads Center Suite 103 Waterloo, IA 50702 For more information, including hours of operation, contact their office at (319) 235-0902.

Waterloo Driver's License Station

2. Where can I pay for a traffic citation I received in Cedar Falls?

Mailing Payments: Parking citation payments can be mailed using the yellow envelopes provided with the ticket. To avoid late fees, adequate time should be allowed for payment processing. Responsibility for proof of payment rests with the violator. Do not mail cash.

Drop-Off Locations: Payments may also be dropped into the fine boxes located in the lobby of City Hall or inside University Book and Supply. Responsibility for proof of payment rests with the violator. Cash payments are discouraged.

By Phone: To pay parking citations using a credit card or to inquire about information, please contact our business office at (319) 273-8600, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Online: Payments may be made online at www.dspayments.com/cedarfalls.

3. Who can I contact about removing/replacing an unhealthy tree in the parking lot?

Contact the City Arborist at (319) 268-5576 for further information.

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1. What are the requirements for participating in the Housing program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible for Section 8, a household must first meet income requirements.  All Section 8 participants must have an initial gross annual income of less than 50% of area median income. Under the program, the tenant pays a minimum of 30% of their income toward their housing costs.  The program pays the difference between the rent amount and household income, up to a set payment standard. For more information and income limits click here.

2. How can I apply for the Housing program?

The Waiting List for Section 8 is currently closed and no new applications are being accepted at this time.

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1. Where can I test for or renew my driver's license?

Individuals wishing to test for or renew their drivers license can do so at the the Driver License Station for Black Hawk County located at: Crossroad’s Mall 2060 Crossroads Center Suite 103 Waterloo, IA 50702. For more information, including hours of operation, contact their office at (319) 235-0902.

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1. How do I find my lot lines?

It is the responsibility of each property owner to determine the location of his or her lot lines. An abstract will give you the dimensions of your property, however, locating the property pins located at the corners of your lot will help you determine your property boundaries. If you cannot find your property pins, you need to consider hiring a licensed land surveyor to survey your property. The City does not have a survey crew to survey private property.

2. Can the city survey my property?

No. The city has a survey crew to survey streets and public property, but does not have a crew that can survey private property. You need to contact a licensed land survey to obtain a survey for private property.

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1. How can I figure my property tax bill?

Information on estimating your own property tax bill can be found in the City's Budget Brochure. The Budget Brochure is updated annually to reflect the amounts budgeted for each fiscal year. To find the brochure for the appropriate year, go to the Finance page and select the correct fiscal year using the links on the left side of the page. Display the Budget Brochure

2. How can I obtain a copy of the city budget?

The budget is available, either in its entirety or in a condensed brochure format, by selecting the link to the desired fiscal year from the Finance page, or you may contact Financial Services at (319) 273-8600.
Select the Fiscal Year

3. How can I be listed on the city's vendor bid list?

The city does not maintain a master vendor list. However, if you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Financial Services at (319) 273-8600.

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1. How can I sign up for a class?

Find registration information on our Registration & Refund Information page.

2. Where can I find contact information for the Parks & Recreation department?

Find contact information for our Parks & Recreation department in our Staff Directory.

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1. Where can I get a copy of the Comprehensive Plan for the City?

For a copy of the Comprehensive Plan, contact the Planning and Community Services office at (319) 273-8600.

2. What is the zoning of my property?

The Zoning Ordinance is a set of policy guidelines adopted by the City Council to regulate the use of land, the location, size and height of signs and buildings, and the size of lots, yards and other open spaces. Zoning tells you what you can use your property for and what you can build on it. Each address in the City of Cedar Falls has a zoning designation attached to it. In order to find out the zoning classification for a property, call the Planning Services Department at (319) 273-8606. Be sure to have the address handy. Staff will need the location in order to look up the zoning designation.

3. How close to a property line am I allowed to build a house, garage, shed, etc?

Setback requirements vary depending upon the zoning classification of a property. In order to get specific setback information, call the Planning Services Department at (319) 273-8606. Be prepared to give an address or parcel identification number in order for staff to look up the zoning classification.

4. How do I find my lot lines?

It is the responsibility of each property owner to determine the location of his or her lot lines. An abstract will give you the dimensions of your property, however, locating the property pins located at the corners of your lot will help you determine your property boundaries. If you cannot find your property pins, you need to consider hiring a licensed land surveyor to survey your property. The City does not have a survey crew to survey private property.

5. Can the City survey my property?

No. The City has a survey crew to survey streets and public property, but does not have a crew that can survey private property. You need to contact a licensed land surveyor to obtain a survey for private property.

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1. What type of bikes do the officers ride?

Bike Unit members use a 24-speed Trek Police Mountain Bike equipped with front suspension, fenders, equipment bag, headlight, taillight, and red and blue emergency lights.

2. Can Bike Patrol members pull over a car while they are on their bikes?

Yes, unit members make numerous vehicle stops yearly.

3. Does the Bike Patrol put on safety presentations or bike rodeos?

Yes we do. Please contact Lieutenant Marty Beckner at (319) 273-8612 for more information.

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1. Why do fire trucks arrive before or with ambulance on medical calls?

Currently, under various medical and traumatic injuries first responses we have fire personnel respond with Sartori Paramedics. We do not respond to all medical calls, but we do respond when called for breathing problems, heart trouble calls, stroke, falls and other traumatic injuries. The reason we respond with the paramedics is that often on a major medical response or traumatic injury response the paramedics need additional help to perform specific tasks in the treatment of a patient. In addition, depending on the medical call fire personnel may drive the ambulance so that both paramedics may assist the patient.

2. Can you help me get my car or house door unlocked?

Generally, the answer is no. The only time we would consider assisting a citizen unlock a door is if there is imminent danger to someone’s life.

3. Who do we call to get our cat out of the tree?

Unfortunately, as much as members of the Cedar Falls Fire Rescue would like to help get your cat out of the tree, for liability reasons we do not perform cat rescues. Your best bet would be to call the Cedar Bend Humane Society at 319-232-6887 for ideas on how to get your cat down from the tree.

4. Burning Regulations

For more information on open burning regulations, check the link to the City of Cedar Falls burning code.  

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1. If I have a question about a crime that occurred to me how can I get the name of the investigator who is working the case?

You can contact the Police Department at (319) 273-8612 and ask to speak to the Investigative Unit. You will be transferred and an investigator will be happy to assist you in any way he/she can.

2. How do I keep from becoming a victim of a fraud or identity theft?

First, you should not give out any of your personal information to anyone, especially over the phone. Second, do not have any personal information (social security number or date of birth) on your checks. Lastly, don’t leave personal items (checks, driver’s license, or social security number) where people have access to them.

3. If a crime occurs in a city other than Cedar Falls can I report the crime to the Cedar Falls Police Department?

No, the Cedar Falls Police Department does not have the jurisdiction in other cities and the crime must be reported to the police department where it occurred.

4. Are all reported crimes assigned to an investigator?

No, most cases assigned to an investigator have something that can be followed up on (a suspect, missing merchandise that can be located, etc.). If there is no more follow-up that can be done the case is closed inactive with no investigator assigned.

5. If I am a victim of a sexual assault what should I do?

Victims of sexual assaults can do several things that will aid police officers in the investigation of the victim’s case. Though it is sometimes very hard and embarrassing, one of the best things a victim can do is report the sexual assault immediately. As time goes on, physical evidence may be lost as well as the victim and other witnesses’ ability to accurately describe to officers what had occurred. A victim of sexual assault should not shower, brush their teeth, drink anything, or use a bathroom if at all possible. Taking these steps can ensure that physical evidence is not lost before a sexual assault evidence collection exam is complete.

6. I think the person living across the street from me is a sex offender, how can I find out if he is or is not?

Sex offenders who are classified at moderate or high risk to re-offend are required to register their addresses with the Sheriff’s Office in their county. This information can be located with a search at the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. If the desired information is not located online, a person can fill out a request for registry information at their local Sheriff’s Office. Iowa Sex Offender Registry

7. If I want an investigator to give a talk to my organization about a certain type of crime, who should I contact?

You can contact the Investigative Unit Captain at (319) 273-8612.

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1. What is a Knox Box?

A Knox Box is a key box placed on the exterior of a commercial or industrial building for rapid entry use by fire department personnel.

2. What type of building is required to have a Knox Box?

A fire department key box must be installed in commercial or industrial buildings which have fire detection, fire alarm, or fire suppression systems. A fire department key box is also required for residential property consisting of three (3) or more residential units.

3. Who pays for the Knox Box and it's installation?

The cost of purchase and installation of each fire department key box shall be paid by the building owner.

4. How do I go about ordering a Knox Box for my business?

Contact Fire Inspections and Code Enforcement, at (319) 273-8622 for more information and to confirm the type of Knox Box you will need. You can ordering information sent to you or you can go directly to the Knox Box site.

Go to the Knox Box site...

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1. Why does Cedar Falls have a tactical team?

The M.I.R.T. team is utilized whenever an incident requires the use of specialized personnel, equipment, or training. Members of the team are trained in various specialty weapons and tools to be used in high risk situations.

2. What are some of the more common situations in which the team is called out?

Most often the M.I.R.T. team is used to serve warrants where there is a high possibility that someone has a history of using, or owning, dangerous weapons. The team also gets most of its calls on people that have barricaded themselves, and possibly innocent bystanders, with a threat of bodily harm.

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1. If I am a victim of a crime in Cedar Falls should I call Police Operations directly to report it?

No, if you are a victim of the crime you should call 911 if it is in progress, otherwise you should contact the Black Hawk County Dispatch Center at (319) 291-2515.

2. Do all of your squad cars have computers?

Yes, each squad car in Cedar Falls has a computer in it. From this computer the officer receives his/her calls. The officer can run driver’s license checks, registration checks, warrant checks, and issue citations and warnings. The officer can also write his/her reports if they need to from this computer.

3. How can I set up a tour for my club or organization?

Contact Public Safety Services at 319-273-8612 one week prior to the tour date. Please provide a contact name, telephone number, date, time and the number of people participating in the tour.

4. What should someone do if a squad car is behind them with their lights and siren running?

Pull your vehicle to the curb on the right side of the road and let the emergency vehicle pass on your left.

5. Who do I contact with a parking complaint?

If it is a vehicle that is in violation of the law you should contact the Black Hawk County Dispatch Center at (319) 291-2515. If it is a complaint about receiving a parking ticket you can contact the shift supervisor at 319-273-8612. If the Parking Unit issued the citation you will be transferred to their office.

6. Do officers have certain areas that they cover during a shift?

Yes, the City is divided up into three areas. An officer is assigned to one of these areas during his/her shift. This officer is responsible for traffic enforcement and responding to calls for service in these areas.

7. Can a citizen ride with a patrol officer?

Yes, a citizen can ride with an officer for all or part of his/her shift. All you have to do is contact a Shift Supervisor at (319) 273-8612 to set up a day and time. Before anyone can ride with an officer an application/waiver form must be completed and a background check will be conducted.

8. If a crime occurs on UNI property do Cedar Falls Officers respond?

If a crime occurs on UNI property it must be reported to the UNI Police Department at (319) 273-2712.

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1. Where can I get a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports are available online at  www.policereports.us. There is a fee for requested records.

2. My job requires me to be fingerprinted. Can you do that?

Cedar Falls Police Operations does provide a fingerprinting service at a cost of $10.00 per card. Fingerprinting can be done at any time.

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1. How do I become a Reserve Officer?

Applicants must be a minimum of twenty-one years old and must possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also have a valid Iowa Driver’s License with a good driving record. You must also be a resident of the State of Iowa. If you are interested in becoming a Reserve Officer, please contact the Cedar Falls Police Department at (319) 273-8612.

2. Do I have to buy my own equipment if I become a Reserve Officer?

The City of Cedar Falls provides Reserve Officers with the necessary equipment and uniforms to fulfill the position.

3. Do Reserve Officers get paid for the work they do?

The position of Reserve Police Officer is a volunteer position. After two years of service Reserve Officers will receive a monetary stipend each year after that.

4. What duties do the Reserve Officers perform?

Reserve Officers ride with career officers to provide support or if they have the proper amount of training are allowed to ride in tandem providing the same services as career officers. Reserves are also called upon to represent the Police Department during several public events. They provide escort services, parade detail, and called upon to serve heavily during the Sturgis Falls Celebration, UNI Homecoming, and UNI Finals week.

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1. What does a School Resource Officer do on a daily basis?

As a School Resource Officer I conduct classroom presentations on various topics such as drinking and driving, search and seizure, underage smoking, drug/alcohol violations in school, assist administration with harassment between students, assaults/fights between students, parking complaints on or around school campuses, runaways, follow-up on cases assigned to me, and attend staff meetings.

2. What is the most important role as a School Resource Officer?

I believe the most important role as a School Resource Officer is to assist in providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff.

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1. Does the City of Cedar Falls have a mission statement?

Yes, the mission statement for the City of Cedar Falls is: "Maintain and improve the safety and desirability of Cedar Falls through the efficient delivery of public services, and the ongoing practice of open communication among council, staff, mayor and the citizens."

2. Does the Public Works Department have a fax machine?

Yes, the number is (319) 273-8632 and is capable of receiving messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. What functions, within the city, is the Public Works Department responsible for?

• Snow plowing, street sweeping and the maintenance of the streets as well as the plowing and maintenance of the city owned parking lots.


• Maintenance of storm sewers, intakes, sanitary sewers and manholes.


• Refuse, yard waste, recycling, and the operation of the Water Reclamation Facility.


• The purchase and maintenance of all city vehicles and equipment.


• Operation of the Cedar River dam gates.


• Cleaning and bank maintenance of the creeks and streams within the City.


• Traffic signals, street signing, pavement painting, parking stall markings and the painting of city owned parking lots.


• Maintenance and custodial services for the Cedar Falls Library, Hearst Center, City Hall, City Hall Annex, Recreation Center, the Cedar River boat house, as well as the buildings associated with the Public Works' complex located at East 15th Street and State Street.

4. Who is responsible for operating the flood gates in Cedar Falls?

The Operations/Maintenance Division of Public Works monitors the river level when high water is a concern, then opens and closes the gates as needed.

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1. What constitutes a resident?

Must have a Cedar Falls address or be in the Cedar Falls Community School District.

2. Do you have a pool at your facility/Where are your pools?

We do not have a pool within the recreation center. The city operates 3 pools, two indoor facilities; Holmes Junior High Pool & Peet Jr. High Pool both open year round and the outdoor Falls Aquatic Center open during the summer season.

3. What is the definition of a family on your family passes?

A family is defined as all of the following:

1. An adult or two adults who are related to each other by marriage.

2. Any child who is related to either or both of the adults by blood, marriage, adoption or legal guardianship, claimed as dependents for income tax purposes.

3. All of whom occupy a single dwelling unit on a regular continuing basis.

4. Can you register on-line?

Yes, just click on Leisure Link on our home page, have your pin and barcode numbers available. Any family members pin and barcode number will access your account. You may obtain these by calling the Rec Center at 273-8636.

5. When can we begin signing our kids up for summer activities?

Typically most programs allow for registration several months prior to start date. We have a few services that will let you know the details to what programs and when you may register. Our Facebook page facebook.com/cedarfallsrecreation sends out a monthly newsletter for upcoming programs and information and we encourage all interested to sign up for our notifications lists  More information regarding programs is found here

6. When and where can we purchase our summer pool pass?

Passes may be purchased in the spring at the Cedar Falls Recreation Center only. We encourage you to come in early as there is a discount prior to May 15. The pool will open the Saturday of Memorial weekend. Specific updates are available at facebook.com/cedarfallsrecreation.

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1. What can be dropped off at the Recycling Center located at 15th and State Streets in Cedar Falls?

For a complete list of items click here.

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1. When is large item collection available?

Residents are charged a $5 per stop fee for bulk collection appointments. The fee is added to your Cedar Falls Utility account. For more about large items pick up click here.

2. What are the automated cart sizes and the monthly rates associated with each size?

The 32 gallon cart rate is $9.00 per month; the 68 gallon cart rate is $17.00 per month and the 95 gallon cart rate is $26.50 per month.

Please call (319)273-8629 if you would like to exchange your refuse cart. You can exchange the refuse cart for free once a year. If more than once a year their will be a $20 exchange fee. Carts will not be exchanged if they are dirty, smell bad, etc. It is the homeowners responsibility to care for their refuse container. Homeowners can wash their containers and bag their garbage to help alleviate the smell in their carts.

3. What are the hours that the automated carts may be placed out for pickup?

The carts, by ordinance, may be placed for pickup no earlier than 6:00 pm on the day prior to your refuse pickup day. The cart must be removed by 8:00 pm on your scheduled pickup day.

4. Is there a penalty for having my cart out too early or leaving it out later than 8:00 pm?

The time limits, for leaving the carts out, are established by City Code. Letters are sent out to those citizens who do not comply with the code. Non-compliance with this code is a municipal infraction and a fine may be assessed. The letters from the Director of Public Works are used for the purpose of informing citizens of their non-compliance. Continued disregard of the code will incure a fine.

5. How may a Christmas tree be disposed of by a citizen?

Clean trees do not have ornaments, tinsel, flocking, or attached tree stands. These are considered yard waste and may be brought to the transfer station on Mondays for a $.75 disposal fee. Or you may cut the tree into 4 feet lengths and attach a Cedar Falls Christmas tree tag to the tree. Cost of the tree tag is $1.25. Place the tree at curbside and call (319) 273-8629 for a Monday pickup. All plastic bags must be removed.

6. What should I do with my automated garbage can on days that it has snowed and plows may be coming by?

The automated cans should be placed at the usual collection location. But, be sure the can is not set out into the street.

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1. Why do we need smoke detectors?

Because smoke detectors can save your life - and your family. Most fatal home fires occur at night, while people sleep. Fire produces toxic gases and smoke that actually numb the senses. If you're asleep, or become disoriented by toxic gases, you may not even realize that there is a fire. You can't rely on your own senses to detect a fire.

2. Is there proof that smoke detectors save lives?

Yes. Almost every day, news reports across the country tell of cases where smoke detectors have saves lives. In several instances, the detectors weren't even installed, yet alerted families to fire. Fire officials continually cite smoke detectors as life savers in home fires.

3. How can I prepare for a fire?

• A smoke detector in working condition will usually give you at least 3 minutes to evacuate the house. It is important to plan home fire drills before you experience a fire so that family members know what to do and can move quickly in the event of real fire. It is good to practice with the lights out since most fires do occur at night.
• Plan and know the escape route as well as an alternate escape route.
• Plan a meeting place outside the house so you'll know when everyone has escaped.
• Know where you can find to a phone to call 911. You can include neighbors in your fire escape plan.
• Especially train children because they get frightened and tend to hide.

4. What should I do if my alarm sounds?

• Don't try to fight the fire yourself.
• Get out of the house as quickly as possible, without panic.
• Call 911 as soon as you are out of the house from a neighbor's phone or from the nearest telephone.

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1. Why does the city crack seal the streets?

Crack sealing is a routine maintenance treatment that will delay road deterioration by sealing moisture out of the pavement. The life of the road is extended and overall maintenance costs are reduced.

2. When does the city begin street sweeping operations in the spring?

Because the sweepers use water to control dust and airborne debris, sweepers are placed in operation when daytime temperatures are warm enough to allow the use of the dust control systems.

3. Does the city keep up a regular schedule for alley maintenance?

We do not maintain a routine schedule, but instead rely on residents to let us know when an alley is in need of maintenance. Requests for alley maintenance can be made by calling the Public Works Department at (319) 273-8629.

4. How do I make a request to get a street pothole filled?

Call the Public Works Department at (319) 273-8629 to report the location of a pothole. After hours leave a descriptive message of the location on the voice mailbox.

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1. Does Cedar Falls have a combined or separate sewer system?

Storm water is collected separately from wastewater collected in the sanitary system. Storm water typically drains into intakes along the edge of the street. It does not go through any kind of treatment system and ends up in the river. All sanitary wastewater is treated extensively at the water reclamation facility on East 4th Street before it is released into the river.

2. My basement drain is running slowly. What should I do?

About eighty percent of the time this is the result of a problem in the homeowner's plumbling; a buried line in the basement floor, or between the basement and the city's main has become restricted and needs to be cleaned. You can rent the needed equipment and do-it-yourself or call a plumber or drain cleaning company. Rarely, there could be a problem developing in the city's main sewer line. Call the Water Reclamation/Sewer Division at (319)273-8668 to have a city crew check it out.

3. Water is backing up in a basement floor drain and I'm not using any water. What is wrong?

If you are not using any facilities and water is backing up, a problem has likely developed in the city's main sewer line and you should call the city for immediate service at (319) 273-8668. This number is available 24 hours a day. Listen carefully to the prompts and select the option to connect with an emergency response crew. There is no charge for this service.

4. The only time my sewer backs up is in heavy rainstorms. Why is that?

Heavy rain can cause infiltration and inflow problems that overload the city's sanitary sewer system. Some of the city's sewers are nearly a century old. When the ground is really wet some of that water can infiltrate through cracks into the sanitary sewer. The city has an ongoing maintenance program to seal up those leaks and upgrade the system. Inflow problems are magnified by people diverting sump pump discharges into the sanitary sewer instead of out on the lawn or into the storm sewer where they belong.

5. Who should I call if my sanitary sewer backs up after normal working hours?

Click here for information if you are having sewer problems?