A chain of events involving the water infrastructure in Columbus Junction has caused the council to begin a review of minimum water charges for city residents. At their last meeting, council held the first of three required readings that would move the minimum charge for the first 2,000 gallons of water used for a customer from $10 to $15. This is due to higher costs and upcoming changes to the city’s sewer system. Columbus Junction is upgrading their lagoon system to comply with state guidelines to reduce ammonia levels. At this time the city is not compliant with those discharge levels during winter months. In order to meet regulations, officials have researched an experimental algae-based system that was agreed to after negotiations with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. However, with the mandates that the DNR put on the system, the cost of implementation rose to nearly $4 million forcing Columbus Junction to look at other options.

 Ultimately, they have settled on a system that would cost approximately $500,000 and use direct discharge into the Iowa River and use of an ultraviolet system to disinfect that discharge. Along with the rate increase, the city could apply for a Community Development Block Grant to help offset the price tag. An option also exists for discharge from the wetland to continue in the summer and switch to the alternate river discharge in the winter with water controls installed. Council will work to finalize project options and hold the second reading for the rate increase at their next meeting.