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How Water Gets to Your Home

The City of Johnston purchases drinking (tap) water from the Des Moines Water Works (DMWW). DMWW is responsible for maintaining water quality for the water supply until it reaches the Johnston city limits. At the city limits, the Johnston Public Works Department is responsible for ensuring the water reaching your tap meets all water quality standards. In addition, the city owns the water meter that measures the water used in your home.

As a homeowner, you are responsible for the connection (tap) to the water main and the service line (pipe) that carries the water from the water main to the water meter. The property owner is also responsible to protect and provide access to the water meter.

stopboxA stop box is used to turn the water service on and off to a property. It is usually located in the public right-of-way, sometimes in the sidewalk. The property owner is responsible for the stop box and the city does require that it be operable at all times so that water service can be turned off in case of an emergency.

Because of Iowa’s seasonal weather changes, the stop box will sometimes move and can become a tripping hazard. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the stop box and should contact a licensed plumber for repair.

If you see water leaking into the street or on the sidewalk, please contact the Public Works Department. Staff will investigate to determine cause.