City of Storm Lake puts water use restrictions in place
The Storm Lake City Council has acted to impose partial mandatory water use restrictions.
The decision was made Friday due to high water consumption during an extended hot, dry period. Immediate reduction is vital in order to allow water towers to refill, and ensure that enough water is available in the event of a fire call. Citations will be issued for violation of the policy.
Restrictions are as follows:
THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 2 and 3
No watering of lawns, trees, etc. will be allowed on residential or commercial property at any time.
Flower beds and vegetable gardens can be watered if necessary, using a watering can or a hose with a nozzle to direct water spray.
No power washing or hosing down of driveways is allowed.
No refilling of pools is allowed.
STARTING MONDAY JULY 4
No watering of lawns or trees at any time Tuesdays and Thursdays (recent highest use days) until further notice.
Watering of lawns and trees on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends is allowed ONLY outside peak hours of 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Do not seed or sod lawns until September 30 or otherwise directed, as lawn watering necessary to establish new grass cannot be done.
If power washing is necessary, contact City Hall at 732-8000 to ask about scheduling a time with lower demand.
City officials noted that pleas for voluntary water conservation over the past two weeks have failed to reduce the high demand. Water use in the city has been running near 5 million gallons per day, up from normal use of about 3.5 million gallons. With one of the city’s wells down for repairs for an extended period, and the treatment plant running at full capacity, the system is at its maximum water production as allowed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
“We know Storm Lake is not alone in this situation – the entire northwest Iowa region is being impacted. Our community is one of the last to go into restrictions,” City Manager Keri Navratil said. “We want to make sure there is enough water available for human consumption.”
City Council members asked about industrial use of water. Navratil noted that Tyson, the city’s largest employer, has cut its use of water over recent years, but residential use has increased as the community has grown.
Residents of Lakeside, Lake Creek, Truesdale and Casino Beach, where Storm Lake city water is used by contract, are also asked to follow the restrictions.
The City of Storm Lake apologizes for any inconvenience to residents, and appreciates cooperation with these necessary regulations to conserve water at this critical time.
Being Storm Lake Proud is not one day, one week, one month or one event. Being Storm Lake Proud is a magnificent lifestyle! More information about the City of Storm Lake can be found on the city’s website at www.stormlake.org.
Original source can be found here.
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