Residents of Enterprise rarely think about where the water in their taps comes from. But there is a whole system behind it. The Enterprise Water Department is located in the heart of the city, at City Hall, situated at 501 South Main Street. This is where new accounts are opened, questions are answered, and assistance with payments is provided.
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- Phone: 334-347-1211
- Website: Enterprise Water Department
What the Water Department does
The department’s main task is to provide clean and safe water at the lowest possible price. In addition, it must ensure pressure for fire hydrants, supply for industry, and convenience for city residents. Employees work from morning to evening, answering calls, opening and closing accounts, addressing customer issues, and providing education.
Supplying the city
The Enterprise Water Department serves approximately 45,000 residents both in and outside the city. The Water Works Board oversees the system, and operations are managed by Alan Mahan, a specialist with over 40 years of experience. He is a certified Level II operator in Alabama and is knowledgeable in managing wells and reservoirs.
The water comes from underground aquifers: Nanafalia, Salt Mountain Limestone, and Clayton. After being treated with chlorine and fluoride, the water is pumped into the pipes. Samples are regularly taken from the system before and after treatment.
Every May, the department sends residents a report on water quality.
Wells and reservoirs
Today, the system has 17 wells, 10 towers, and one above-ground reservoir. Since 1999, six new wells with a capacity of 750 to 1,000 gallons per
minute have been drilled. To consolidate control over its sources, the city has connected neighboring water systems:
- Bethany in 1999
- Goodman in 2001
- Clintonville in 2003
- Battens/Mount Pleasant in 2004
- Macedonia in 2005
- Bridlewood in 2005
The city now has 6.6 million gallons of storage capacity at its disposal. Under normal conditions, the department pumps 8.7 million gallons per day. In the event of an emergency, the amount can be increased to 17.5 million. For comparison, residents typically consume 4.5 million gallons per day.
Lowering groundwater levels is a problem for many regions. But in Enterprise, the situation is stable. Since 2000, thanks to the department’s conservative policy, the water level has remained stable, and in some wells, it has even risen. These measures help to maintain a balance between consumption and natural reserves.
The importance of the work
Water is part of everyday life. It flows from the tap, cools summer iced tea, extinguishes fires, and feeds industrial enterprises. The Enterprise Water Department is behind this every day.
When residents pay their bills or call about a leak, they are interacting with an entire system that keeps the city running. And as long as water flows from the tap, the department is fulfilling its mission.