Mission Statement

To provide a safe, potable water supply for customers of the Newton water utility within the guidelines and regulations of the state and federal government.

Water Production and Treatment

Water production treatment activities entail pumping water from the ground water wells in the Equus Beds to the treatment plant and then adding chemicals for treatment and fluoride. From the treatment plant, water is pumped to Newton several miles away via transmission lines to the main pump station. The division also operates and maintains the Public Wholesale Water Supply District #17 system for the member cities (Newton, North Newton, Sedgwick and Halstead).

Water Production and Treatment Duties

• Maintain wells and well houses
• Provide well readings and gallons used
• Complete sampling and lab work on water
• Maintain chemical content in water
• Maintain chemical supply and pumps
• Maintain high service pumps at plant
• Provide 24-hour monitoring of water through SCADA system
• Maintain inventory of major fittings for distribution
• Maintain treatment facility grounds
• Interact with Kansas Department of Health and Environment on inspections and reporting
• Maintain records of water quality and quantity
• Maintain water towers, tanks and First Street pump station, E. Side Booster Pump Station 
• Maintain electrical system, including backup generation

Production/Treatment Training and Certifications

Three employees at the water treatment plant are certified State of Kansas water plant operators. Certified operator requirements include 10 hours of certified training every two years by a KDHE-certified school as well as regular safety training. All water treatment employees are also certified in confined space and train annually on handling chlorine.

Water Transmission and Distribution

Water transmission and distribution staff maintain more than 160 miles of main water line and more than 8,300 water service meters.

Water Transmission and Distribution Duties

• Read 8,300+ meters monthly
• Change out 800 to 1000 meters annually
• Perform over 1,600 non-payment shut-offs annually
• Perform daily service orders
• Perform daily water testing for fluoride and chlorine
• Take 20 water samples monthly for coliform bacteria testing
• Perform utility locates
• Install 25 to 50 new water services annually
• Repair and replace old services
• Repair and replace fire hydrants
• Repair broken water mains
• Replace water mains
• Repair, replace and exercise water valves
• Make taps on main water lines
• Flush and test fire hydrants annually
• Have two employees on call for 24-hour service

Transmission/Distribution Training and Certifications

Nine employees at the Service Center are certified operators, with some of them holding multiple classifications.  Certified operator requirements include 10 hours of training by a KDHE-certified school every year. Employees also are certified in confined space as well as trenching and shoring and participate in regular safety training.

Helpful Links

• Resident utility information
• Automatic Bill Payment
  By signing up for our automatic bill payment plan, your monthly utility bill will automatically be deducted from the checking or savings account of your choice on the due date. You will eliminate the need to write a check every month, purchase stamps, and make trips to the mailbox. Once enrolled, you'll never have to worry about paying your bill because everything is taken care of automatically.
• 2024 Newton Water Quality Report
• Newton Backflow Requirements