CIWW Lawn Watering Ban Begins Tuesday
Water Restrictions Easing as Nitrate levels Improve, CIWW Announces
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des Moines, IA – Residents can soon anticipate the return of lawn watering as the Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) announced a phased lifting of water use restrictions, citing improved water quality in its primary sources. The decision comes after a period of stringent conservation measures implemented due to elevated nitrate levels.
Gradual Reintroduction of Demand to Stabilize System
CIWW is adopting a strategic approach to reintroduce demand into the water system, a move designed to effectively manage both water consumption and production levels. This gradual process is identified as the most efficient method to allow residents to resume using automatic lawn sprinklers while ensuring that drinking water continues to meet all established safe drinking water standards.
“Many factors led to this decision,” stated Tami Madsen, executive director of CIWW, in a prepared statement. “As we have said several times, we needed to see nitrate concentrations in at least one water source decline to 10 mg/L and stay there for a sustained period. This week, that happened in the Infiltration Gallery.”
Phased Approach to Lifting Restrictions
The lawn watering ban is slated to be lifted for various entities over the next three weeks. The initial phase,which begins now,allows for residential lawn watering.
The second phase will permit commercial lawn watering for businesses such as gas stations,business complexes,banks,and malls.The third and final phase will see the restoration of watering for local governments, including city, county, state, and school districts.
Nitrate Levels Show Significant Decline
Recent data indicates a marked enhancement in nitrate concentrations in the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. On Sunday, the Raccoon River registered 7.75 mg/L,and the Des Moines River was at 9.12 mg/L. This represents a ample decrease from June, when these numbers were 13 mg/L and 14 mg/L, respectively. The federal limit for nitrates in drinking water is 10 parts per million.
Understanding the Infiltration Gallery’s Role
The Infiltration Gallery, a critical component of CIWW’s water supply, plays a vital role in this improvement. This three-mile stretch of underground pipes collects alluvial groundwater. This groundwater undergoes natural filtration through sand and gravel before being transported to the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant for further purification. The gallery boasts a daily production capacity exceeding 30 million gallons of water.
“We have a responsibility to deliver safe water for everyone, and that has been challenged by the water quality issues in our major water sources, which necessitated this ban,” Madsen added. “We are deeply appreciative of the compliance and support we have received throughout our region.”
CIWW emphasizes that continued vigilance and responsible water use remain paramount as the system returns to normal operations.