Backflow Prevention -- What do I need to know?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of the drinking water supply, which may cause contaminants or pollutants to flow back into the water system through unprotected cross connections. Click here for an information sheet on backflow.
If you have an underground irrigation/sprinkler system, fire sprinkler system, or swimming pool, federal, state, and local laws require you to have a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Device.
A certified inspector registered with the State of Iowa must test this device annually.
The City’s cross connection control program is managed by Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI). A web-based tracking program called BSI Online is used to provide a more efficient and cost effective means of managing the City’s inventory of backflow prevention assemblies. Contact BSI to see if your test was submitted this year: Customer Portal.
If you do not plan to use your lawn irrigation system the requirement to test your backflow preventer can be waived by filling out a Certification Not to Test / Inactive Irrigation Form. You may change usage at any time during the year. If you decide to turn on irrigation, call to let us know and have it tested
(515) 223-6231.
Door tags -- Why did I get one?
The Water Department will put a tag on your door for one of the following reasons:
- We shut water off at the main. When a water main break or other maintenance calls for it, we will put a notification on your door.
- Unusual Water Consumption. Spikes in water usage can be costly. Visit this webpage or call Water Billing at (515) 867-5199 to sign up for Water Consumption Alerts and address problems in a timely manner.
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Water Meter Repair/Replacement. When we can't read the meter, your water usage bill will be estimated until the meter can be repaired or replaced. Call Public Works at (515) 223-6231 to schedule an appointment.
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Insufficient Funds. Your water service could be turned off. A $30 fee is assessed for all insufficient fund payments. When a replacement payment is made after the 15th and -before- the end of the month, water service continues and a 10% penalty will appear on your next bill. When a replacement payment is received -after- the end of the month, a reminder notice and warning tag procedure is followed. If you receive a warning tag, bring payment to Clive City Hall at 1900 NW 114th St. within 24 hours of tagging. Payments may also be made by calling the Clive Water Department at (515) 867-5199. Fees are assessed for this tag, termination of service, and restoration of service.
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Overdue water bill or deposit. Your water service could turned off. Bills are due on the 15th of every month. Fees are assessed for this tag, termination of service, and restoration of service.
High water pressure -- How can I fix it?
The pipes that makes up the water system gets their pressure from two water towers. Depending on the elevation of your house, your water pressure could be higher than 85 psi. In this case, you may want to have a plumber install a pressure reducing valve with a expansion tank.
Hydrant meters - How do I get one?
The primary function of fire hydrants in the City of Clive is public fire protection. Fire hydrants that operate properly can make a significant difference in the reduction of damage caused by fire. Hydrant meters are allowed at the City’s discretion when there is no other available water source and within the conditions outlined in the Clive Water Policy.
All users of hydrant meters shall provide deposits in the form of a check or money order. Hydrant meters may only be used from April 15 to October 15.
Applications for the use of hydrant meters will be accepted at Clive City Hall, 1900 NW 114th St. Click here to download: Hydrant Meter Application Form
Irrigation - What do I need to know?
Are you interested in watering your yard or garden with an irrigation system? If so, an irrigation meter may save you money. The Clive water rate is presently $7.53 per 1,000 gallons of water. The cost of sewage is presently $5.92 per 1,000 gallons of water used. With the irrigation meter, you would not pay the $5.92 per 1,000 gallons.
An irrigation meter is a ¾” meter (usually the same size as the main meter) that needs to be permitted and installed by a licensed plumber after the main meter. After the plumbing is complete, call the Clive Water Department at (515) 867-5199 to pay for the meter and installation. The cost for both is presently $291.50 (as of Oct. 2019). Click here to download a Lawn Irrigation Permit application.
If you have an underground sprinkler system, a backflow test must be accomplished each spring by a licensed company. (See Question #4 in this FAQ for backflow information.) Water service can be terminated for failure to have the annual backflow testing.
Water service - How do I sign up?
To establish water service, contact the Water Department.
Water softeners - How hard is my water?
Water softener information can be found at the webpage for Des Moines Water Works Water Quality Data.
When will my neighborhood get a new water main?
Our aging infrastructure is thoughtfully scheduled for rehabilitation based on a number of factors. Click here to see a map with the planned rehabilitations. If you have additional questions, please call Public Works at (515) 223-6231.
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The City of Clive receives water from Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), who is responsible for the initial treatment to insure the best quality before distributing it to the City. As it reaches our connection, the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the high quality of water until it flows out of your faucet.
