Village of Rio

Recently, the Village of Rio Sewer Utility has experienced an increase in wastewater pumping station malfunctions due to “disposable” cleaning items and wipes entering the wastewater stream. Many cleaning products labeled “disposable” or even “flushable” can cause problems for homeowners and the Village. Disinfecting wipes, Swiffer mop refills, baby wipes, and other products made from similar materials should be disposed of in the trash- never flushed down a toilet. These items do not dissolve or break down after being flushed and can clog household sewer pipes, resulting in an expensive and messy repair and clean-up for a property owner. If these items find their way into the Village’s sewer system, they can clog pipes and pumps in the Village’s sewer pumping stations. This leads to expensive repairs and potential interruptions in sewer service.

Please help ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the Village’s wastewater system by disposing of these products properly: in the trash.

The Public Works Department provides curbside pickup of leaves, grass clippings and brush. Collections are normally on the third Thursday of the month, from April through November. Leaves and grass clippings must be in clear plastic bags. Please place items at the curb no more than 24 hours prior to collection day. Village residents who would like to haul their own brush and leaves may do so by dropping them off at the Village compost site located in the Municipal parking lot. Leaves may be left in the bulk piles located next to the recycling bins. Please observe the directions posted at this site. This site is available for disposal of clean plant material only– no trash, wood with nails or other hardware, building materials, or other items are permitted.

A cross connection is an unprotected direct (or potential) connection between drinking water piping and a contamination source. This can be as simple as a garden hose that is submerged in a swimming pool, a bucket of detergent, or other contaminated water. Other examples are supply lines connected to boilers, process equipment, or bottom-fed tanks. Under certain conditions, cross connections can allow tainted water to flow backward through the piping system and contaminate drinking water. These unprotected cross connections are prohibited. The Wisconsin Rural Water Association has made available a brochure explaining what cross connections are and how they can be avoided.

The Village of Rio Water Utility has been granted a rate increase by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). Water Utility customers will see a 3% rate increase effective January 1, 2016. Click to view the PSC Rate File for this rate adjustment.

It is a top priority of the Rio Public Works Department to keep Village streets safe for travel throughout the winter months. Residents can help make plowing and salting operations more efficient and effective by following the Village winter parking regulations. In addition, snow from a driveway or sidewalk may not be deposited on the street. If you encounter an unsafe situation on Village streets, please contact the Rio Public Works Department.