Wastewater
Our Mission
The Knoxville Wastewater Treatment Division of the Public Works Department is committed to providing prompt, efficient service to the public and visitors of the Knoxville area. We strive to respond to requests for services in a courteous, professional and timely manner. With awareness to ensure public health protection through proper collection system design and maintenance and that environmental stewardship is practiced through appropriate, efficient treatment of the wastewater that is collected. We will comply with United States Environmental Protection Agency rules and Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations for releases of wastewater effluent into the receiving stream, and the treatment and land application of Biosolids.
Our Vision
The Knoxville Wastewater Treatment Division is dedicated to continuously improve our services, equipment and facilities to better serve the needs of the public and visitors of the Knoxville area. We will seek innovative and best management practices for the continuous improvement in our efficiency, collection, treatment processes and personnel training and development.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
(641) 828-0587
Facilities and Equipment
The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 1703 East Pleasant Street.
Jetting Schedule
The City cleans 112 line segments on an annual basis. This work is completed April to June. Work typically starts in the northwest part of Knoxville and ends in the south part of Knoxville. In addition, all mains are cleaned and televised once every ten years. City staff will hang door notices on doors prior to cleaning mains.
Bio-solids Application
Staff presses sludge for 8-10 weeks in the spring and again in the fall. The bio-solids are applied to fields twice a year, before planting and after harvest. Bio-solids are applied at 3 to 4 tons per acre. Local farmer interested in having bio-solids applied to their fields should contact the Wastewater Department.
Sewer Backups
If a customer has a sewer back up and calls the City, staff will check the applicable manholes to make sure that the City’s mains are not plugged. If the City’s main is plugged, the City will clean the main. If the main is not plugged, residents should contact a private sewer cleaning service or private contractor to address the problem.
Sewer Odors
If a customer has a problem with a sewer odor they should call the Wastewater Department and staff will check to see if the problem is on the City’s main. If there is not a problem with the main, residents should check to make sure all of their traps have water in them and that their vents are not plugged. If the resident is not sure how to check these items, a plumber should be contacted.