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Public Works Frequently Asked Questions

Solid Waste System

Q. Where does the garbage go once it is picked up?

A. The garbage collected in Cheney is hauled to the Waste-to-Energy Plant where the material is incinerated along with the other garbage collected throughout Spokane County.  The ash from the incinerated garbage is shipped by rail to a landfill for burial.  The energy generated from the incineration of garbage is sold as an alternative power source.

Q. Does the City provide recycling services?

A. The Cheney Recycling Facility is owned and operated by the City of Cheney.  Recyclable materials accepted at the facility include newspapers, magazines, cardboard, glass, plastic, tin, and aluminum.  The facility is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Transportation System

Q. How can I report a pothole, damaged street sign, malfunctioning traffic signal, clogged storm water drain, burned out streetlight, or other street problem?

A. During normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, please call the Public Works Department at 498-9293.  After normal business hours, and if there is a potential threat to public safety, please call the Police Department Dispatch at 498-9233.

Q. When does the City sweep streets?

A. Street sweeping generally begins as soon as weather conditions permit in the late winter or early spring and continue until late into the fall.  Arterial streets are generally among the first streets swept and all streets are typically swept at least twice a year, once in the spring and once again in the fall. 

Q. How does the City deal with snow and icy conditions on the streets?

A. The City generally begins plowing snow when at least two inches have accumulated on the roadway.  The City uses a combination of liquid deicer and sand to provide some measure of traction control when ice is on the roadway.

Q. Does the City restrict parking on the streets during snowfall events?   

A. Yes, whenever snowfall accumulations total two inches or more cars are not to be parked on City streets from the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. until the snow has been plowed.  The parking restriction for snowfall accumulations of two inches or more within the central business district (First and Second Streets between “G” and “D” Streets and “G” and “D” Street between First and Second Streets) is in effect from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on the roadway.

Water System

Q. What is the source of the City’s drinking water?

A. The City’s drinking water comes from deep basalt aquifers that range in depth from approximately 600 feet to more than 2000 feet.  The City currently operates six potable water wells supplying drinking water to the community.

Q. Does the City treat its water with chlorine or fluoride? 

A. The City disinfects its drinking water through the use of chlorine.  Each of the six active potable water wells is equipped with a chlorination system.  The City also fluoridates its drinking water. 

Q. What causes discolored water?

A. The City does receive periodic reports of discolored water which is generally attributable to sedimentation that has built up in a water main.  Sedimentation often occurs during the winter months. When the irrigation season begins, the sediment which has built up in the water main can be stirred up due to increase of water flowing through the main.  Another cause of discolored water can be traced to some of the older steel mains in town which can create some discoloration of the water as the mains begin to rust.  Any one who experiences discolored water is asked to call the Cheney Public Works Department at 498-9293.  The problem can usually be corrected simply by running the faucets, but if the problem persists, the Cheney Water Division personnel will go out and flush the hydrants in the area to clear the problem. 

Q. What kind of water pressure should I expect to have in my house?

A. The minimum amount of water pressure that must be maintained during the peak-hour demand period is no less than 30 pounds per square inch (psi).  The minimum amount of pressure that must be maintained for fire fighting is 20 psi. 

Q. If I have a leak in my water service line, who is responsible for making the repairs?

A. The City of Cheney is responsible for repairs to the water service line from the point where the service line is connected to the water main up to the point where it is connected to the water meter.  The property owner is responsible for repairs to the water service line from the water meter to the structure served by the water service but the City will be responsible for shutting-off the water supply.  To report a water leak during the regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., please call the Cheney Public Works Department at 498-9293.  To report a water leak after regular business hours, please call the Cheney Police Department Dispatch at 498-9233.

Wastewater System

Q. What happens to wastewater in the City of Cheney?

A. Wastewater is discharged from sanitary facilities (toilets, sinks, showers) to a network of collection mains spanning approximately 40 miles.  The wastewater is distributed to the wastewater treatment plant by the collection mains where the wastewater is biologically treated through the use of microorganisms.  The biologically treated wastewater is disinfected and discharged to a constructed wetland area for final polishing.  The sludge material is removed from the wastewater and converted into a biosolid compost product.

Q. How does the City of Cheney maintain its wastewater collection system?

A. The City’s collection mains are maintained through a process where the mains are rodded which entails shooting higher pressure jets of water through the mains.  The debris removed from the collection mains through the rodding process is collected at the manholes by a vacuum unit.  A few years ago the City implemented what has been a very successful program aimed at sealing collection mains to prevent wastewater from flowing out of the collection mains as well as to prevent storm water and groundwater from flowing into the mains which reduces the capacity of the collection mains to transport wastewater as well as the plant’s hydraulic capacity to treat wastewater flows.

Q. How long has the City of Cheney’s wastewater treatment plant been in operation?

A. Construction on the City’s advanced wastewater treatment plant was completed in 1994.  Construction of the wetlands that polish treated effluent discharged from the plant was completed in 1995.  The plant was designed with the capacity to treat an average annual daily flow of 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day.  The plant processes more than 2500 cubic yards of biosolid compost consisting of sludge and bulking agents comprised of yard waste and woodchips. 

Q. When will the City of Cheney’s wastewater treatment plant need to be expanded?

A. Due to the rapid growth in the City’s population, including the expanded enrollment at Eastern Washington University, the pollutant loading at the wastewater treatment plant is now in excess of 85% of the plant’s design capacity.  Consequently, the City is required to begin expanding its treatment facilities in order to be able to continue to meet its treatment requirements.  It is anticipated that the expansion of the plant’s facilities will be completed by 2009.