Water Department

WATER DEPARTMENT FACTS

The hardness of Prairie du Chien water is 310mg/l or 18.1 grains.

The Prairie du Chien water system consists of four wells and three reservoirs. The wells pump water from sand and gravel aquifers to sealed reservoirs that store approximately 2.5 million gallons of water. The City is served by over 58 miles of water main, 357 fire hydrants, and 740 main valves. 2,300 metered customers are served by the water system. The City of Prairie du Chien’s water system also serves the Towns of Bridgeport and Prairie du Chien. In an ongoing effort to protect public wells from contamination, the Water Department has implemented a Wellhead Protection Plan to minimize potential risks.

The City of Prairie du Chien Water Department has a new bulk water/truck fill station located at 301 W. Lockwood St. (across from the Dog Park just off of the Bypass). The fill station is open 24/7 – 365 days a year. Contractors needing water need to be pre-approved and an account needs to be set up with the City to charge water, or pay with a credit card at anytime. Private individuals can obtain water at anytime and can pay with a credit card at the kiosk (credit card convenience fees apply).

Adopt-a-hydrant program: Property owners can help the Water Department by trimming grass around fire hydrants as well as clearing snow from around fire hydrants.

Diggers Hotline: State law requires anyone doing excavation work in Wisconsin to give at least three working days notice to Diggers Hotline prior to digging. Diggers Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Toll-Free 811.

If you notice a water main break, water service break or low water pressure in your area, please call the Water Department at 608-326-8213, City Hall at 608-326-6406 or after regular working hours call the Police Department at 608-326-2421.

To Start Service at a Connected Site: To establish sewer & water service at a site that is already connected to the water system, contact City Hall at (608) 326-6406.

To End Service at a Connected Site: An owner or tenant of property supplied with sewer & water may discontinue this service by calling the City and asking for service to be discontinued. The minimum charge will continue to be billed as long as the sewer & water remains connected, whether or not any water is consumed.

Establishing a New Connection Where None Exists: The City requires a connection fee prior to the installation of new connections to the water system. Water service connection fees are billed at the actual cost of the work being done. To obtain a Utility Permit or information regarding a new connection, contact Cassie Rickleff at 326-8024 or crickleff@prairieduchien-wi.gov.

Private Wells: Property owners that have existing private wells must obtain a well permit from the City and produce two safe “bacti” samples. For more information on private wells in the City, call 326-8213. To obtain a private well permit application, click here or call 326-8024. To obtain a “bacti” test kit, call 326-0223. Click here for a copy of well requirements.

WATER RATES

A water bill is made up of three separate fees: a fire protection fee based upon the size of connection, a base service charge based on the size of the meter, and a volume charge based on the amount of water used. Customers are billed quarterly.

Drastic increases in a water/sewer bill may indicate possible plumbing problems. If you are concerned about an increase in your bill, the Water Department might be able to help you locate the problem. While City personnel can’t make repairs in your home, just knowing the problem exists can help you get prompt service in fixing it. In some cases, a water leak may even qualify for an adjustment to your bill. Additionally, yard meters are for sale to separately meter water used for watering lawns and gardens. This allows customers to only be billed for the water used for watering and not be charged the sewer rate. Yard meters can be obtained by completing a permit and making payment at City Hall, 214 E. Blackhawk Avenue.

To convert gallons and cubic feet: Number of gallons x .1337 = cubic feet or Number of cubic feet x 7.48 = gallons. The following rates will be charged for requested services:

* Re-installation of meter (including valving at curb stop): $40.00 (During normal business hours) $60.00 (After normal business hours)

* Valve turned on at curb stop: $35.00 (During normal business hours) $55.00 (After normal business hours)

Note: There is no charge for disconnection

Rates are authorized by the Public Service Commission for the Prairie du Chien Municipal Water Utility.

Public Notice To All Customers of the Prairie du Chien Municipal Water Utility.

Customer Notice Prairie du Chien Water Rate Increase

For questions on your water bill, contact City Hall at 326-6406.

Meet the Water Department Staff: