As we navigate the drought conditions affecting our community and the Midwest as a whole, we want to make sure that questions and information is made available to all Osceola Water Works customers. Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and the most current updates for each. Of course, as conditions change, this page will be updated.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Osceola Water Works office through the Contact page on this Web site.

Thank you!

OSCEOLA’S DROUGHT CONDITIONS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the question to see each answer:

How long has the City of Osceola been experiencing drought conditions?

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Iowa has seen some kind of drought conditions in the state for approximately three-and-a-half years, making this the longest drought Iowa has had since the 1950s. The city of Osceola, in Clarke County, Iowa has been under “Severe drought” conditions since November 7th, 2023.

When did Osceola's Water Conservation Ordinance first go into effect?

Section 1: Water Watch – Voluntary Conservation was implemented on September 21, 2022. Notification was sent to All Osceola Water Works customers on 9/21/22.

How often has information about conservation and the drought been communicated to the public of Osceola?

Since 9/21/22, communications have been sent to customers at the very least 1 time/month, sometimes more often.

Where does the operating revenue for Osceola Water Works come from?

Operating revenue for Osceola Water Works comes through collected water rates only.

Does Osceola Water Works receive property tax money?

No.

Does Osceola Water Works receive federal tax money?

No.

What charges are included on my monthly Utility Bill?

Each month, meters are read for the amount of water that has been consumed (used).  Utility bills are sent out on the 1st day of the following month.  (May water usage is billed on June 1st)

Water Usage – Water Rates are controlled by the Osceola Water Works Board of Trustees. Water Rates can be found at osceolawaterworks.com/rates/

Water Excise Tax:  In 2018, the Iowa legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2018 creating a 6% Water Service Excise Tax.  Water Excise Tax (WET) replaced the 6% Sales tax. Collected WET is remitted the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Sewer Usage – Sewer Rates are controlled by the City of Osceola.

Sales Tax:  Sewage services are charged a 7% sales tax to non-residential commercial customers.  Collected Sewer Sales Tax is remitted to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Garbage – Garbage Rates are controlled by the City of Osceola.

How much of my Utility Bill is for Water?

A Total Minimum Residential bill is $88.98

A minimum Residential Water bill is for 2,000 gallons $23.70 (26%) controlled by Water Board

A minimum Residential Sewer bill is for 1,000 gallons $43.00 (49%) controlled by City of Osceola

A minimum Garbage bill is $22.28 (25%) controlled by City of Osceola

What is the Water Excise Tax?

In 2018, the Iowa legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2018 creating a 6% Water Service Excise Tax.  Water Excise Tax (WET) replaced the 6% Sales tax. Collected WET is remitted the Iowa Department of Revenue.

How can I pay my bill?

There are a number of ways customers can pay their Osceola Water Works bill:

  • Pay by Mail
  • Pay in Person
  • Call the OWW office
  • Use the OWW Drop Box

Or, you can click the “Pay Online” button on the home page or in the navigation section of this Web site.

How many water main breaks has Osceola had?

On average, there are 20 water main breaks per year? In 2023, there was 16.

When are Osceola Water Board meetings?

Osceola Water Works Board of Trustees meet monthly on the 1st Thursday of each month.

Meetings are held at:  Osceola Water Works, 208 W Jefferson, Osceola, IA  50213 at 5:30pm and in compliance with House File 2074, Sixty-seventy General Assembly, Chapter 28A of the Code of Iowa, Public Attendance is welcome.

Meeting Agenda’s and Meeting Minutes can be found on Osceola Water Works website here.

Can you use plowed snow to replenish Osceola's raw water supply

While the idea has its merits, the actual impact of using plowed snow or snow removed from streets after storms to replenish a community’s raw water supply could result in dangerous chemicals and contaminants in the drinking water. While melting snow and runoff from surrounding streets and farmland does eventually make it to surrounding bodies of water, creeks and rivers, the process of natural filtration – water soaking into the ground, through clay, sand, rock, and sediment below – protects the water source’s natural environment from an abundance of hazardous chemicals and constituents put on roads, driveways, and farmland.

Treating raw water for consumer use is a delicate balancing act of continued filtration, chemical management and monitoring. Normal raw water supplies are measured and precisely treated within the community’s water treatment plant and are based on ongoing chemical balances and protocols. To introduce road chemicals, oils and brine from winter plowing would not only impact the ability to effectively and economically treat the raw water, but also introduce potentially hazardous materials and/or chemicals into the surrounding environment.

In short: It’s best to let nature take its course when it comes to melting snow and letting it make its way to the various lakes and tributaries surrounding the community.