Water Management Services Provided

Water Production

Water Production provides the potable water supply for the Citizens of Decatur and the Village of Mt. Zion. This Division supplies the quantity and quality of water needed to meet the daily needs of almost 90,000 people, plus all commercial and industrial users. Lake Decatur serves as the sole raw water supply source, with the DeWitt County Well Field (eight wells) and two wells at Cisco, Illinois, as a back-up emergency supply. The wells, when activated, discharge into the Sangamon River which supplies water to Lake Decatur. The Division provides the operation and maintenance of the South Water Treatment Plant, the William Street Pump Station, the well fields, two elevated water storage tanks, the Lake Decatur Dam, and the sludge storage lagoons.

The City of Decatur Nitrate Removal Facility was completed in July of 2002.

Since 1871, the City of Decatur's goal has been to produce the highest quality drinking water for our customers. We are proud of our history of quality service. To maintain our commitment to you, our analysts routinely collect and test water samples every step of the way - from Lake Decatur right to your home - checking purity and identifying potential problems. Our treatment plant is constantly maintained, evaluated and upgraded to stay abreast of advancements in technology, health science and government regulations. Our water quality lab is the heart of our quality assurance program. Our highly trained lab staff and state-certified labs have the latest, most sophisticated instruments that can measure substances down to one part per billion. Through foresight and planning, efficiency in operations, and focus on excellence in customer service, we will continue to provide you the best quality drinking water at an exceptionally low price.

Water Production Division
South Water Treatment Plant
1155 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Decatur, IL 62523
Office Hours - 8:00am to 5:00pm Weekdays
For information call: (217) 424-2834

Water Distribution

The Distribution Section is responsible for continuously maintaining the quantity and quality of water needed by our customers. This includes the ability to make repairs to the system in a timely and safe manner. This section maintains water mains, fire hydrants, and water main control valves.

The City's distribution system consists of water mains, of which 80% are composed of durable cast iron pipe. Cast iron pipe has a very long, useful life. The remaining 20% is newer pipe composed of ductile iron, which is even more durable than cast iron.

In order to improve public health, old galvanized and lead pipes that were originally installed between water mains and our customer's curb boxes are systematically removed and replaced with copper lines. Over 75% of the pipes with a diameter of 3/4" to 1" have been replaced. This renewal process has been an on-going program for over twenty years. Our goal is to replace all known galvanized and lead pipes.

This section also maintains fire hydrants and water main valves. Routine flushing of hydrants and valve turning operations are part of an annual maintenance schedule.

Water Services
Municipal Service Center
2600 N. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62526
Office Hours - 7:30am to 4:00pm Weekdays
For information call: (217) 875-5705

Water Metering

The Metering Section is responsible for reading and maintaining all of the residential, commercial, and industrial water meters in our distribution system. Our water meters are generator/remote read. Almost all residential meters are located inside the house with a remote read attached to the outside. Residential meters are replaced on an average 13.5 year cycle. Large commercial and industrial meters are repaired and calibrated every 1 to 4 years, depending on the rate of flow.

To protect the safety of our water distribution system, the Meter Section also keeps track of backflow prevention device inspections. It assists in water leak detection, low pressure complaints, and issues fire hydrant permits to contractors and bulk water haulers.

Water Services
Municipal Service Center
2600 N. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62526
Office Hours - 7:30am to 4:00pm Weekdays
For information call: (217) 875-5705

Lake Services

The Lake Section is responsible for operating and maintaining Lake Decatur. This includes shoreline erosion control and stabilization, debris removal, mowing of city property adjacent to the lake, maintenance of public boat ramps, Lake Patrol (which enforces City Code Chapter 66, Regulation of Lake Decatur), lake special events, and dredging operations.

The Lake Section supports two large, free public events held in Nelson Park and Lake Decatur each year. Lakeside Music and Arts Festival is held on Memorial Day Weekend. Freedom Fest is the City of Decatur and Decatur Park District's Annual 4th of July Celebration.

The 12 year long dredging project consists of removing lake sediment from Basin 6, the Big Creek Arm of Basin 1, then the Sand Creek area of Basin 1. An estimated 5.8 million cubic yards of material will be removed and increase the lake's water storage capacity by approximately 16%. Dredge operations are from 6am to 10pm weekdays from early spring through late fall.

Lake Office
(Located in Nelson Park)
2203 E. Lake Shore Dr. Decatur, IL 62526
Office Hours - 7:00am to 3:30pm Weekdays
with extended hours during the summer
For information call: (217) 424-2837