City of Rio Dell
Public Works Department
Public Works Department
Public Works Director: James Hale |
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the City wastewater system, water system, storm drainage, streets, city grounds, and parks.
Wastewater System
The Rio Dell wastewater system serves approximately 1,000 customers, and consists of a network of wastewater collection pipes, manholes, cleanouts, and pumps that convey wastewater to the treatment plant located at 475 Hilltop Drive. Wastewater treatment includes grit removal, primary clarifiers, and secondary treatment. Treated effluent (chlorinated and de-chlorinated) is discharged to the Eel River during winter months. The City of Rio Dell is discharging treated effluent during summer to percolation ponds along the Eel River under a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The City has until 2009 under the CDO to find a suitable site to dispose of treated effluent away from the Eel River.
Water System
The Rio Dell water system serves approximately 1,100 customers and consists of a network of water mains, valves and storage tanks that deliver treated water from the plant located at 475 Hilltop Drive to water customers. Raw water is pumped from infiltration galleries under the Eel River to the treatment plant. The City is nearing completion of an approximately $8.5 million project to establish a new raw water intake below the Eel River, improve filtration, and rehabilitate the water distribution infrastructure that, upond completion, will lift a water emergency declaration within the City that has been in place for over five years.
