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CURBSIDE LEAF PICKUP: mid-October through Thanksgiving, weather permitting. Dates announced in the fall. More Fall Leaf Pick Up Information

CHRISTMAS TREE PICK UP: one day pickup. January. Date announced mid-December. More Holiday Tree Pick Up Information

COMPOST SITE & BRUSH DUMP: Customers may take yard trimmings to the Compost Site at 541 S Brewer Street, free of charge. Open sun-up to sun-down. Please follow regulations posted at the site. Construction material, concrete, landscape materials and manure are not accepted. 

Tree Planting Guidelines (Arboricultural Specifications)

The City’s compost site at 541 S Brewer Street is open every day from sun-up to sun-down. Only residents of the City are allowed to drop off items at the site. However, anyone can remove compost or brush items. Please follow the regulations posted.

Compost items accepted include: leaves, twigs, grass, nuts, bushes, hedges, trees & stumps, branches, woody vegetation, vines, flowers, garden vegetation, apples, pears, sweet corn stalks, husks & cobs, hay or straw bales, pumpkins, melons, etc. Logs larger than 4-inches must be placed in the firewood pile. The compost site does not allow construction material, concrete, bricks, landscape materials or livestock/domestic animal manure.

City crews routinely collect fallen debris and damaged limbs from trees. Special collections may be done following significant storms as determined by City staff. The property owner is responsible for the maintenance and care of any tree located on private property. The compost site is available year round, sun-up to sun-down, for disposal of yard debris. Feel free to call the City Office with any questions you may have at 563.927.3636.

Please direct your calls to the City Office at 563.927.3636. The Street Superintendent and member(s) of the Forestry Committee will assess the tree and determine the appropriate action to be taken.

Before a tree can be planted or removed in the City’s right of way, a permit must be obtained. This permit may be obtained at no cost from City Hall, 208 East Main Street, Manchester, Iowa. A tree permit will only cover the planting or removal of a tree.

Prior to digging or doing any underground work, utilities must be located. Utility locations are done free of charge by calling Iowa One Call at 800.292.8989.

Tree Permit – Please return to City Hall, 208 East Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057.

If you are planning a home improvement project you may be wondering, “Do I need a permit?” 

Building permits are required to construct, add onto, alter, remove, demolish or repair a structure. Examples of projects that require a permit are: re-roofing, re-siding, garages, sheds, decks, signs, remodels, fence, and any electrical/plumbing work.  A permit ensures that proper services are provided to safeguard life, health, general public welfare and property values. Through the permit process, city staff will review permitted construction work and installations to ensure that they are done safely and in accordance with current requirements. In advance of when you wish to begin work, submitting all the required information about your project along with the permit application form will help to ensure a timely review and permit issuance.  For additional information about permit requirements, please visit our Planning & Building page. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit or if you have other questions, please contact the Building Inspector/Zoning Official at 563.927.1112.

Minors ages 16 & 17:

• 11pm Sunday-Thursday.
• 12 Midnight Friday & Saturday.

Minors under age 16:

• 10pm Sunday-Thursday.
• 11pm Friday & Saturday.

The Manchester Police Department would like to remind parents (and children alike) that it is important to know and obey the city ordinance regarding curfew. While the child who violates the ordinance is accountable for their actions, parents of minor children are ultimately responsible for the safety and welfare of their children. Curfew violation can be punishable by a fine. The Manchester City Police work to ensure the safety of children and everyone. You can help the police by speaking to your children about curfew and encouraging compliance. 

The City of Manchester encourages residents to license their bicycles. Bicycle licenses cost $5.00 and shall be valid for the period of time that the bicycle is owned by the applicant. Please provide the serial number, color, size and brand name of the bike. Having your bicycle licensed makes it possible for the Police Department to return lost or stolen bikes to their owner! If your bike is lost or stolen, please contact the Police Department at 563.927.3355 to see if it has been found.

Birth, Death, and Marraige Certificate - These certificates can obtained from the Delaware County Recorder's Office at (563) 927-4665

Building Permit - Building permits are obtained at the City Office located at 208 E Main Street or by calling (563) 927-1112.

Business License - Manchester does not have a business license requirement. However, verification should be obtained from the City that the zoning ordinance allows for your business type. You should also check with the Iowa Department of Revenue for any state requirements. 

Car, Boat, Motorcycle, Snowmobile License - These licenses can be obtained from the Delaware County Treasurer's Office at (563) 927-2845.

Cat License - Cats are not license by the City of Manchester. 

Dogs over the age of 10 weeks, living within the City Limits, must be licensed within 60 days of acquisition. License fee is $20 per neutered/spayed dog, or $50 per unaltered dog. This is a lifetime license. Proof of rabies vaccination must be provided. Rabies vaccination cannot expire within 6 months of the date of application for dog license.

While walking your dog in Manchester, please bring a baggie with you to pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it at home. Or better yet, take advantage of one of the 7 the Dogipot waste stations located throughout the community. And please remember, it is unlawful to allow your dog to relieve themselves on someone else’s property.

Also, when your dog is not in an enclosed area, remember to keep your pet on a leash. A leash provides emergency control over your pet. Even if your dog has perfect recall and you can control their every move from 100 feet away – you can’t control the world around them. You may encounter unfriendly dogs, irresistible temptations in the form of rabbits or ground squirrels, or a person who is allergic or afraid of dogs. Remember, not all people will love your dog like you do!

The City of Manchester does not license cats.

Please click HERE.

Please click HERE.

If you know the owners name you can click HERE and search by owners name.

To find out how the County values property please click HERE.

Once Delaware County has been declared a federal disaster area, those affected will need to contact the following agencies:

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center
Location: 2655 210th Street, Earlville, Iowa 52041
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 7pm | Saturday, 9am – 5pm

Please Register by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 or register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Unless a boil order has been publicly declared, the City of Manchester’s water is always safe to drink.

For callers Outside the City Limits, all water and well questions should be directed to the Delaware County Sanitation Department (Dennis Lyons) at 563.927.5925.

If water must be conserved the City will issue a public declaration via radio, television and/or website.

Please contact the City of Manchester, Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:00pm) at 563-927-3636.

After hours and weekends, please contact the Manchester Police Department at 563-927-3355.

Sandbags may be obtained at the City Shop, 324 S 3rd Street, 563-927-3636.

Residents are encouraged to call City Hall with any questions they may have at 563-927-3636.

Information will be made available to KMCH, the local access channel 81 (79.2) and the City website as soon as it becomes available.

The Manchester Police Department also encourages residents to sign up for NIXLE, a free, text-messaging service that alerts individuals on the latest weather-related information

To report flooding, please contact the City Office, Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:00pm) at 563-927-3636. After hours and during the weekend, please contact the Police Department at 563-927-3355.

Iowa Department of Transportation Travel Information

The City crews attempt to keep streets passable; however, depending on the type, nature and duration of a storm, streets may be slippery or at times impassable. Residents are urged to use caution when it is necessary to be on City streets during a snowstorm or during snow removal operations.

A loaded plow truck or sander truck weighs as much as 10 small cars, and needs more room to stop, especially on slick surfaces. Even if you have the right of way, the snow plow may not be able to stop if you pull out. If you wait a few more seconds, you will have a plowed and sanded surface on which to drive. Also remember the sand truck spreads material out of the back, so please don’t follow to close; we don’t want your vehicle to be damaged by flying sand and material.

With your help, snow plowing can be done better, faster and more efficiently, making our streets safer for you. We are always here to serve you better.

Additional Information:

• Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 10 daylight hours after a snowfall.
• Snow-filled driveways often result from clearing streets. This is unavoidable due to the nature of the snow removal process. The City does not clean driveways.
• Mailbox damage can be a casualty of winter. Please contact the City Office to report any suspected damage from snow removal equipment.

Please contact Alliant Energy’s 24-hour customer service line at 800.822.4348 to report power outages.

Please do not call the Manchester Police Department’s Emergency Dispatch Center or the City Office during an outage unless you need emergency services, need to report an emergency or need to report weather-related information. Unnecessary inquiries take emergency personnel away from necessary activities.

Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00am.

Sirens are also activated if the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for this area or if an actual sighting occurs by a public safety official.

Remember: City sirens are meant to be an “outdoor warning system.” They are not intended to be heard in every home or building. The sirens blow for three minutes and indicate that a “life threatening” condition exists. The sirens are not blown to indicate an “all clear” signal. If they are blown a second or third time it means that another life threatening condition exists. TAKE COVER!

Please do not call the emergency dispatch center during storms unless you need emergency services, or need to report emergency or weather-related information. Unnecessary inquiry calls take emergency personnel away from necessary activities.

Severe Weather Procedure

Please follow these steps if you suspect a gas leak:

• When natural gas is burning and vented properly, you will never smell it. However, if you do smell natural gas, don’t ignore it. Call your gas company. Your safety may depend on it.
• Exit the premises immediately, leaving the door open behind you as you go.
• Don’t look for the source of the gas leak or try to correct the problem yourself.
• Use a cell phone outside or go to a neighbor’s house and call 911 or your local emergency number. Then call Black Hills Energy’s emergency number, it is 800.694.8989.
• Don’t strike matches, turn lights or appliances on or off, use the telephone or ring the doorbell. These things can create a spark. Leave doors and windows as they are.

The Black Hills Energy emergency number is 800.694.8989.

If you are concerned about an emergency siren in your area, please contact the Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355.

General emergency information can be obtained from the Delaware County Emergency Management Department, 563.923.2361 during regular business hours, or by contacting the Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355.

Will Hydrant Flushing Affect Your Water?

If you are using water when the fire hydrant flushing process is occurring in your neighborhood, the water that we are scouring out of the water distribution system could be drawn into your home’s plumbing system. Although the water may be discolored, smell different and/or have a slightly different taste, it is safe to use. 

Why Do We Flush Fire Hydrants?

The water distribution system consists of miles of water main and hundreds of fire hydrants, and each of those hydrants need to be operated periodically to lubricate the internal mechanisms and check the overall functionality. If a deficiency is discovered during this inspection, most maintenance can be performed immediately. The end result is that the fire hydrants in your neighborhood are available for fire protection if there is ever a need.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Upper Iowa University (UIU), and the City of Manchester have partnered to create the NICC/UIU Manchester Center to help residents within the Delaware County region achieve their educational goals efficiently and effectively. The center opened in September 2011 and is located at 1200 1/2 W Main Street (Dupaco building). The center offers continuing education courses for the adult learner as well as high school students. Offerings include GED/ABE and ESOL classes, basic computer classes, business and customized training, a state of the art computer lab, on-line credit courses and non-credit training programs for the business community. For more information, to receive continually updated information on available classes or to sign up for a class, please contact the Manchester Center at 563.822.1016.

541 S Brewer Street

The City encourages all citizens living within the City limits to utilize the Compost site. Citizens may utilize the compost site for disposing of grass clippings, fallen leafs, and other yard waste. Construction material, concrete, landscape materials and manure are not accepted.

The site has been organized with signage to point you in the right direction for disposal of the above listed items. Any citizens, even those living outside the the City limits may take wood chips, firewood and compost free of charge. Any citizen living outside the City limits may not bring anything in, they may only remove compost materials. If you have any questions pertaining to the rules of the compost site feel free to contact the City Office at 563.927.3636 or Jason Haight, Street Superintendent at 563-927-1124.

Nuisances should be reported to the City of Manchester Project & Planning Coordinator by calling 563-927-1112.

As a helpful resource we have provided a listing of internet links to a variety of important community services and resources. Feel free to tour our links and let us know if you think we are missing an important link.

Delaware County Fair
Delaware County Parks
Iowa League of Cities
Iowa Road Conditions
Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Manchester Public Library
Northeast Iowa Community College
RAGBRAI
Regional Medical Center
St. Mary’s Catholic School
State of Iowa
West Delaware School District

Voter information: Delaware County, Iowa – Main Election Information Page
Find out if you’re registered to vote: Am I Registered To Vote in Iowa?
Find your precinct/polling place: Where Do I Go To Vote?

The Manchester Public Library is much more than a place to check out books. We have programs and services for everyone in our community. Friendly librarians are here to help you find the information you’re looking for.

Click here to find out what our library can do for you!

Contact Information:
Address: 304 N Franklin Street
Phone: 563.927.3719
Fax: 563.927.3058
Email: [email protected]

The Library is closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

Manchester is a community where neighbors care for each other. The “Nice Neighbor Award” was established to recognize citizens who do what they can to improve the quality of life for their neighbors or other citizens in Manchester.

The City will continually accept nominations from residents. Honorees will be chosen each month and will be invited to a City Council meeting to be recognized.

Nomination letters should include the name of the person being nominated and the name of the person who is doing the nominating as well as the telephone number of both. Send your “Nice Neighbor” letters to: Mayor Connie Behnken, 208 E. Main Street, Manchester, Iowa 52057.

WEDNESDAY: All houses south of Union Street, including both sides of Union Street

THURSDAY: All houses north of Union Street.

SET OUT TIME: 6:00 A.M.

PICKUP: Trash is picked up weekly on your scheduled day. Recycling is picked up every other week on your scheduled day. Keep a 4-foot clearance around can to allow robotic arm to work properly. Avoid setting can by mailboxes, other cans, shrubs, fences, or other obstructions. Place can so handles are toward the house and lid with arrow pointing toward the street.

For specific questions regarding your recycling or garbage pickup, please contact:
KLUESNER SANITATION – 563-927-5977

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Holidays: Services will only be affected if the holiday lands on your collection day. Collection will be the day after the holiday. Holidays include New Years Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

• Extra Garbage/Large Items: Call Kluesner Sanitation to arrange for the pickup and payment of extra garbage, large items, construction debris, electronics, etc.

• Hazardous Waste & Metals: Please contact the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency at 563.557.8220.

• Maintenance/Repair of Trash/Recycling Can: Trash & Recycling cans are owned by Kluesner Sanitation and are assigned to your address. Contact Kluesner Sanitation for any concerns regarding your trash or recycling container.

• Start & Stop Service: All residents living within the city limits, with an active water account, are billed for garbage and recycling pickup. Service begins when a water account is activated. Service stops when an account is deactivated.

• Missed Collections: Garbage and recycling must be placed at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on the designated pickup day. The hauler will not return to pick up late set-outs.

GARBAGE OR RECYCLING?

Click here to download this list of accepted recyclables.

Public record requests should be directed to City Hall. Please make the request specific to assist staff in providing the desired information. Staff may take up to ten business days to research the request and respond. A fee of $.25 per page ($.40 cents per double-sided page) will be charged for paper and scanned/electronically transmitted copies.

Ward Map 

The Mayor and City Council Members serve four-year terms.

The terms of office are staggered, with two council and mayor seats filled at one election and the other three council seats filled at another election two years later.

The Mayor Protem is appointed annually by the Mayor, with approval by the Council.

Please contact Mayor Connie Behnken or City Manager Tim Vick at 563-927-3636 to have a concern added to the City Council agenda.

All requests must be received by Wednesday prior to the scheduled meeting.

Agendas are available on the website (here) and are posted no later than 5:00pm on the Friday before each meeting. You may also obtain or view a copy of the agenda at City Hall or by contacting City Clerk Erin Learn at 563-927-3636.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 5:00pm in the City Council Chambers, 204 East Main Street, Manchester, Iowa

The City of Manchester has five Council Members. Two members are elected at-large, one from the First Ward, one from the Second Ward and one from the Third Ward.

The City of Manchester operates a local animal shelter. Most times the shelter has dogs and cats available for adoption. There is no fee for the adoption other than the requirement that the person adopting the pet has the pet neutered or spayed by a veterinarian. Anyone interested in adopting a pet may contact the Manchester Police Department at 927-3355.
 

Animal Control Officer
JJ Davis
Phone: (563) 927-3355

Location
412 S 3rd Street
Manchester, IA 52057

Mailing Address
208 E Main Street
Manchester, IA 52057

It is unlawful for any person to harbor or keep a vicious dog within the City.  A dog is deemed to be vicious when it has attacked or bitten any person without provocation, or when propensity to attack or bite persons exists and is known or ought reasonably to be known to the owner.

To report a lost or found animal, please contact the Animal Control Department at 563.927.3355.

Dogs over the age of 10 weeks, living within the City Limits, must be licensed within 60 days of acquisition. License fee is $20 per neutered/spayed dog, or $50 per unaltered dog. This is a lifetime license. Proof of rabies vaccination must be provided. Rabies vaccination cannot expire within 6 months of the date of application for dog license.

While walking your dog in Manchester, please bring a baggie with you to pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it at home. Or better yet, take advantage of one of the 7 the Dogipot waste stations located throughout the community. And please remember, it is unlawful to allow your dog to relieve themselves on someone else’s property.

Also, when your dog is not in an enclosed area, remember to keep your pet on a leash. A leash provides emergency control over your pet. Even if your dog has perfect recall and you can control their every move from 100 feet away – you can’t control the world around them. You may encounter unfriendly dogs, irresistible temptations in the form of rabbits or ground squirrels, or a person who is allergic or afraid of dogs. Remember, not all people will love your dog like you do!

The City of Manchester does not license cats.

Please contact the Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355 for release of your impounded dog. Cost for impoundment can include: $20 Impound Fee and $5 per day for daily care. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. If proof of rabies vaccination cannot be provided, a rabies bond of $20 must be paid until proof can be ascertained.

Please contact a licensed exterminator for any concerns about wild animals or rodents.

If a wild animal has intruded your actual living space, animal control may offer assistance removing it from your home. Animal Control may also help if you observe a sick or injured animal in an area that it could potentially cause a public safety or health risk. However, if you are having problems with a wildlife infestation, such as bats in your attic or a family of raccoons living under your porch, you will be directed to contact a professional pest removal company to handle the situation.

Please contact the City of Manchester at 563.927.3636 to report a dead animal in the public street or right of way. Street crews will be notified accordingly.

The Manchester Code of Ordinances addresses items regarding Nuisance Abatement Procedures, Animal Protection & Control and Potentially Vicious Dogs. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355 or the City Office at 563-927-1112.

Alternate Side Parking is in effect upon declaration.

Upon declaration, residents are required to park on the even- numbered side of streets on even-numbered days, and on the odd- numbered side of streets on odd-numbered days. Alternate Side Parking is only in effect from 10pm—7am. Parking on Snow Routes is prohibited. Ticketing and towing are STRICTLY enforced.

Declarations are reported to Channel 2 (KGAN), Channel 7 (KWWL), Channel 9 (KCRG), FM radio station 94.7 (KMCH). Residents may also sign up for cell phone texts or email alerts through the City Of Manchester. 

Residents may also contact the Manchester Police Department outside of regular business hours (8am-4pm) at 563.927.3355.

All of the wastewater generated within the City of Manchester is treated by the City’s waste water plant located at 541
South Brewer Street. The City is responsible for conveying the liquid and solid wastes from your homes and businesses
to the treatment facility. The treated water is then released into the Maquoketa River. City staff maintains the
collection system and operates the lift stations.

ROUTINE SEWER CLEANING

The Street Department and Wastewater Department have a routine cleaning program of the sanitary sewers. A
pressurized water jet and vacuum system are used to clean the City’s sanitary sewer pipes. Spraying high pressure
water at the inside of the sanitary pipes allows for the removal of grease, sediment, scale build-up, and in most cases,
tree roots that have infiltrated the pipe walls. By keeping the pipes clean the City is able to reduce the possibility of
sewer back-ups into private service lines that could cause slow drains or even a sewage back-up into homes or
businesses.

The City also routinely performs sewer televising. A robotic crawler with an attached camera allows us to inspect the
inside of the sewer pipes for cracks, roots or other items that may require repair.

MANHOLES, SINKHOLES AND STORM INTAKE GRATES

Manholes are an opening to an underground utility. If you observe a manhole that is sunken down, sticking up, or has a
rattling lid please contact the City Office.

Sinkholes are a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. There are many
causes of sinkholes that are both natural and manmade. Most commonly, sinkholes that occur in urban areas are due
to water main breaks, collapsed sewers, or improperly compacted soil after an excavation. If you see a sinkhole in your
yard please contact the City Office.

Storm Intake Grates are located in the streets to collect water runoff from storms. Sometimes debris from yards and
streets can block a storm grate and prevent it from properly draining. If you see a blocked storm grate or a storm grate
that is broken or missing please contact the City Office.

Sometimes with heavy rains, the storm sewer systems will become inundated and flood the streets. Never drive or walk
into a flooded street. If you drive onto a flooded street “Turn around, don’t drown” is the saying. Keep all children out
of floodwaters. Usually once the rain stops, the sewers will “catch up” and water will drain away.  If you come across a
flooded street please contact the City Office.

Hazardous waste disposal is managed by the Delaware County Solid Waste Commission and the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency DMASWA.

CURBSIDE LEAF PICKUP: mid-October through Thanksgiving, weather permitting. Dates announced in the fall. More Fall Leaf Pick Up Information

CHRISTMAS TREE PICK UP: one day pickup. January. Date announced mid-December. More Holiday Tree Pick Up Information

COMPOST SITE & BRUSH DUMP: Customers may take yard trimmings to the Compost Site at 541 S Brewer Street, free of charge. Open sun-up to sun-down. Please follow regulations posted at the site. Construction material, concrete, landscape materials and manure are not accepted. 

Will Hydrant Flushing Affect Your Water?

If you are using water when the fire hydrant flushing process is occurring in your neighborhood, the water that we are scouring out of the water distribution system could be drawn into your home’s plumbing system. Although the water may be discolored, smell different and/or have a slightly different taste, it is safe to use. 

Why Do We Flush Fire Hydrants?

The water distribution system consists of miles of water main and hundreds of fire hydrants, and each of those hydrants need to be operated periodically to lubricate the internal mechanisms and check the overall functionality. If a deficiency is discovered during this inspection, most maintenance can be performed immediately. The end result is that the fire hydrants in your neighborhood are available for fire protection if there is ever a need.

Unfortunately, the City of Manchester does not offer a reduced rate program. However, Operation New View and Delaware County Community Services may offer assistance with payment toward your utility bill.

Utility rates will be increased as needed to meet the cost of operating. The current rates are calculated to meet the operating and maintenance costs of supplying water, sewer and solid waste services. Rate increases are occasionally necessary to meet the costs of operating and updating City facilities and to meet Iowa Department of Natural Resources and EPA guidelines.

Do businesses and industries also have their rates increased?
Yes. The water rate increase applies to all customer classes – residential, commercial and industrial.

Charges may differ for each customer receiving a utility bill depending upon their circumstances and/or type of classification (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). For most residents, the following charges will apply:

Bills are sent through the Post Office on or before the last business day of the month and are expected to be received by you within the next couple of days. Bills are due upon receipt and are considered delinquent if payment is not received by the close of business (4:00pm) on the 10th day of the month.

A delinquent notice is sent to all customers whose payment has not been received by the close of business on the 10th day of the month and a 5% penalty will be assessed. The Manchester Code of Ordinance states that the City shall notify each delinquent customer by mail that service will be discontinued if payment is not received by the date specified in the delinquent notice. The City of Manchester mails an average of 400 delinquent notices every month. Contacting each delinquent account by telephone is simply not efficient.

Your utility bill can be paid online, or by cash, check, money order, automatic withdrawal, debit card or credit card.

Payment may be made:

• In person at City Hall or by mail to 208 East Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
• Through Automatic Withdrawal
• Online

Automatic Bank Withdrawal Form – Return to City Office

Residents are billed monthly for water, sewer, garbage & compost.

• Bills are sent out on or before the last business day of each month.
• Bills are due by the 10th day of the month.
• A penalty is assessed to each account if not paid by the 10th, and a notice of delinquency is sent. The account holder is then given an additional 12 days to make payment on the account before disconnection of services occurs.
• If you have not received your bill or feel you have received a notice of delinquency in error, please contact the City Office immediately at 563-927-1114.
• The City of Manchester offers automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings, and online bill payment.

Charges may differ for each customer receiving a utility bill depending upon their circumstances and/or type of classification (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). For most residents, the following charges will apply:

The City of Manchester mails approximately 2,400 individual water bills monthly. Utility Bills are mailed in envelopes.

Bills are sent through the Post Office by the last working day of the month and are expected to be received by you within the next couple of days. Occasionally, bills do not reach customers for various reasons; perhaps it was put into someone else’s mailbox or perhaps it got stuck in a newspaper or magazine and went undetected. Whatever the reason, it is simply impossible for us to track a bill once it leaves our office.

If you have not received your bill within the first week of the month, we would encourage you to call the City Office to request a copy. We would also encourage you to check with the Post Office regarding delivery of your bill and to verify your address.

Bills are considered “delinquent” if not paid by the 10th day of the month. Although this notice may seem offensive to our customers in good standing, the City of Manchester Code of Ordinance states that the City shall notify each delinquent customer that service will be discontinued if payment is not received by the date specified in the notice of delinquency. The code also instructs this notice shall be sent by ordinary mail.

Additionally, the City of Manchester mails an average of 250-300 disconnect notices every month. Contacting each individual account is not efficient.

The City Office does offer the opportunity to have your payment automatically withdrawn from your checking account. We also offer online account access & bill pay for your convenience.

There are some concerns from time to time about the accuracy of the water meters. The City of Manchester uses positive displacement meters. That means water has to enter the chamber to make the disk move and record any usage. It is impossible for this type of meter to register more usage than what has been used within the home.

Most cases of high water usage involve leaks within the home. Leaks waste a tremendous amount of water. A toilet flapper leak, overflow leaking or a dripping faucet can easily waste thousands of gallons of water each month. This excessive usage can add up quickly. Finding the leaks and repairing them saves not only water, but also money.

Check the Water Meter

1. Turn off all of your water inside and outside of your home, but leave your shutoff valve open.
2. Locate your water meter (usually located in the basement or a crawl space).
3. The meter will have a red dial or triangle on its face.
4. If this is moving at all, and you are certain no water is running, you have a water leak.

1. Just before going to bed, or when no one will use any water for several hours, write down the numbers on the face of the water meter.
2. Take another meter reading in the morning before any water is used, or after a few hours of non-usage.
3. In theory, these two readings should be the same. If they are not, and you cannot account for use by a humidifier, ice cube maker, toilet flush, or water softener, you have a leak and further investigation is recommended.

From our experience, ninety percent of the leaks in residential plumbing systems are found at the toilet tank. Generally, toilets leak at the bottom of the tank around the flapper plug or at the top of the tank at the overflow tube. Leaks typically result from worn parts or from misalignment of some part of the flushing mechanism.

• Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank.
• Watch the bowl for about 15 minutes.
• If colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

• Sparingly sprinkle powder on top of the water in the tank.
• If the powder moves toward the overflow tube, you probably have an overflow leak.

Toilets are notorious for their silent leaks. A toilet that overflows just one gallon every five minutes will waste 288 gallons of water per day or 8,640 gallons per month. We recommend that each homeowner familiarize themselves with their home water system.

It is possible to have water leaking in other places: sink faucets, water softeners, plumbing, water heaters, dishwashers…..anywhere water runs could be a potential source. If you are unable to locate a leak on your own, we always recommend contacting a licensed plumber.

Sewer back-ups occur despite the best of maintenance programs.

The vast majority of sewer back-ups occur from circumstances beyond the control of the City or the property owner. Here’s what you can do:

• Investigate as soon as you can if you notice floor drains backing up or slow drains. Fast attention to these problems may prevent or lessen the severity of a back-up.
• Contact the City Office at 563.927.3636 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm)
• AFTER HOURS & WEEKENDS: Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355
• City personnel will respond to your request as soon as possible to check if City lines are plugged.
• If the problem is not in the City line, it may be in your private line.
• Contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
• Contact your home owner’s insurance representative.

If the problem is limited to a single faucet, try unscrewing the faucet aerator. Rinsing or replacing clogged or corroded screens and parts could solve your problem.

If the problem is that the supply lines feeding a branch are too small, you may need to increase the pipe size.

If the problem is inadequate flow to the entire house, you may need to increase the size of the main supply pipe from the water meter to the house.

For other concerns, please contact the City Office at 563.927.3636, Monday-Friday (8:00am – 4:00pm).

Water mains are most prone to breaking as winter approaches and the ground begins to freeze and in the spring as the frost goes out of the ground. This is generally due to ground movement.

Any time you see water running out of the ground, through cracks in the pavement, or from behind curbing please call the City of Manchester at 563.927.3636.

After hours or weekends please contact the Manchester Police Department at 563.927.3355.

Please contact the City of Manchester at 563.927.3636 if you should notice any of the following:

• Leaking hydrant
• Noticeable damage, hydrant laying on its side
• If you see someone tampering with a hydrant

The City of Manchester would also ask for your help in clearing snow from around fire hydrants during the winter months. It is helpful if hydrants are cleared 3 feet in all directions to ensure both visibility and access in the event of a fire. If you are unable to clear snow from around a hydrant, please contact the City Office.

Ruptured water lines can cause extensive damage to a home. During the winter, home owners should take precautions to prevent water lines from freezing. Here are some simple tips to protect your home.

• Seal cracks in doors, windows and foundations. Small openings concentrate cold air creating a cold blow torch that can quickly freeze pipes.
• Open cabinets and closets that contain water lines to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Allow cold water to drip through faucets. Running or dripping water can help prevent water lines from freezing, however, even running water can freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
• Consider installing water pipe insulation. Local building supply stores carry a number of products designed specifically for this purpose. If you decide to use a heat tape, be sure it has the UL seal of approval.
• Check pipe insulation periodically to make sure that it is dry. Wet insulation can be worse than no insulation.

Commonly in the winter, you will notice that your drinking water appears cloudy. Milky water, also commonly described as cloudy, hazy, soapy, or foamy, is almost always caused by air in the water. To see if the white color in the water is due to air, fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter. Observe the glass of water for two or three minutes. If the white color is due to air, the water will begin to clear at the bottom of the glass first and then gradually will clear all the way to the top. This is a natural phenomenon and is completely normal; the water is safe to use.

Please contact the City Office at your earliest convenience to put water service into your name. Accounts will be created on the first business day following notification.

All renters, regardless of credit or customer history, are required to place a minimum $75 deposit with the City of Manchester to obtain City services.

An account will not be created for a renter until a deposit has been paid.

• Utility Application Form

OUTSIDE WATER METER

Installing a second water meter specifically for outdoor watering may be beneficial as outside water meters are not subject to sewer charges. Meters can be purchased from the City Office. However, you must hire a plumber to install and connect the meter to your outside faucets. The Water Superintendent will install the outside meter box. Please contact the City Office at 563.927.3636 to make arrangements for this installation.

• The City Office MUST be notified for inspection and connection of the meter box.
• Meter is to be set horizontally.
• Must be double-valved 6-inches from meter.
• Outside meters can be connected ONLY to outside wall faucets.
• Must be copper or galvanized pipe plus brass valves. After 2nd valve plastic pipe can be used.

Please contact the City Office with any questions you may have:
City of Manchester
Chad Wulfekuhle, Water Superintendent
563-927-3636