UTILITIES
ELECTRICITY
Fairbury provides its own electrical distribution system, serving 4, 100 customers in Fairbury and surrounding communities. Fairbury's requirements for electricity are met by power purchased from the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska; The Western Area Power Administration and from Fairbury's own power plant generation. Part of Fairbury's power plant generation is leased to MEAN and generates at their request. In return, MEAN pays the city $46,000 monthly for maintaining the plant and keeping it staffed. The city is reimbursed for operation costs in addition to the plant lease. The power plant is staffed continually to handle emergencies, receive calls and monitor water operations and pumping.
Power is delivered into Fairbury by two lines each serving as a backup to the other from the Nebraska Public Power District substation north of town. The first tie proceeds west of the substation, then south into Fairbury down B Street and to the substation west of the power plant. The second tie follows south along Highway 136 to Brawner Creek, south to Second Street and west to the plant substation.
The electrical systems includes lines within the city and 170 miles of rural line. Emergency service is available around the clock, seven days a week. Offices are located at 612 D Street. 402-729-2148. Power Plant is located at 121 Third Street, 402-729-3748.
NATURAL GAS
Aquila, with headquarters in Omaha, provides natural gas service to the community. 1-800-203-1524
SEWER
The Fairbury wastewater Treatment Plant is located along South Highway 15 and is equipped for three stages of treatment Phase 1, for the treatments of solids, was completed in 1959 and Phase 2, for treatment of liquids, in 1974. The final phase completed in 1999 allows for additional processing of sludge, terminating the life of bacteria before it is released back into the environment. The plant has a treatment capacity of one millions gallons daily and meets all federal and state regulations. Plant operations have received training are certified by the State of Nebraska. The plant is located at 094 Sewer plant Road, 402-729-0226.
WATER
Fairbury has its own water supply, serving more than 2,000 customers and providing water for a rural water district. Annual usage exceeds 398 million gallons. Fairbury's main source of water if Crystal Springs. The spring water passes through a screen infiltration gallery before flowing to the water storage reservoir west of the power plant. In addition, six wells are located west of the springs and another three wells are located just east of Fairbury. The reservoir, built in 1946, provides storage capacity of 2.5 million gallons. Fluoride and Chlorine are added at this site and then pumped into the distribution system. In addition to the reservoir, water is stored in the water tower at 27th and K streets. Built in 1963, the tower has a storage capacity of one million gallons and is drained, cleaned and inspected every three years. Offices are located at 612 D Street. 402-729-2148.
GARBAGE
The city of Fairbury provides its own garbage service to residents. A recycling center is operated by the city and is located just south of the city park on West Third Street. Plastics, cans, glass, paper and used motor oil can all be recycled there. In addition, a yard waste site is located just south of the railroad tracks at Second and F Streets. The city operates a solid waste disposal waste facility at 71241 566th avenue. The site is open from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday and from 9am to 12:30pm on Saturdays. 402-729-4078