DUBUQUE COUNTY SMART PLAN
Public Infrastructure & Utilities Public infrastructure and utilities are a key component of quality of life within the Dubuque County Region. Access to infrastructure and utilities also has a profound impact on land development. Land that has access to municipal utilities has greater development potential and has a higher value than land that does not have access. In rural areas where no municipal utilities are available, residents rely on private wells and septic systems. These systems are effective, but require large lots to avoid groundwater contamination. This chapter will provide an introduction to the County’s public infrastructure and utilities and explore how these necessary items impact land use, environmental quality, and economic development. Water Supply and Distribution System A typical water supply and distribution system will contain four basic components: a Water Source, Filtration and Treatment, Water Pressure and Storage Tank, and Local Distribution Pipes. Figure 1.1 shows a basic water supply and distribution system. Water filtration eliminates any undesirable biological contaminants and provides water with a desirable chemical balance. The treated water is pumped from the treatment source to a water storage tank. The purpose of the tank, which is usually in the form of an elevated water tower or reservoir, is to provide pressure to push water throughout the system. After water leaves the storage tank, a system of underground pipes deliver the water to homes and businesses. In low density rural areas private wells are used to supply water. Figure 1.1 Schematic Diagram of a Typical Water Distribution System
Source: Anderson, Larz T. Planning the Built Environment, 2000
Community Water Distribution Systems Asbury - The Asbury municipal water supply currently has three active public water wells open in the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer. The approximate discharge for all wells is 11,552,000 gallons per day (gpd). The Colonial Estates well is capable of producing 425 gallons per minute (gpm), the Woodmoor well is capable of producing 180 gpm, and the Wedgewood Estates well is capable of producing 225 gpm. Municipal water is delivered via a network of 165,000 linear feet of piping ranging from four to twelve inches in diameter.