West Central Iowa Rural Water Association

Water Watch

March 7,2024

Today West Central Iowa Rural Water Association Board of Directors implemented a Water Watch which is the first step of our water plan. Under a water Water Watch, water customers of West Central Iowa Rural Water Association (WCIRWA) and Denison Municipal Utilities (DMU)are being asked to conserve water.

The extended dry spell has caused ground water levels to drop at the DMU and WCIRWA sites and customer demand for irrigation, recreation and hydration has increased. The wells are still able to produce water, but the water levels are trending down. To provide the needed water for all essential residential, commercial, industrial uses, and municipal fire protection, we ask customers to be mindful of their water uses during this prolonged hot, dry period.

Steps that should be taken to conserve water include:

1. No watering of lawns, shrubs, or gardens between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
2. No water should be used to fill private swimming pools, reflecting pools or any other outdoor pool or pond. <200 gallons is ok.
3. No water should be used for nonessential cleaning of commercial and industrial equipment, machinery, or interior spaces.
4. No water shall be used to wash streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks or building exteriors.
5. Water should be served at restaurants only upon request of the customer.
6. At-home car washing should be discontinued.
7. Clothes washers and dishwashers should only be run when you have a full load.
8. Check for leaks in faucets and toilets and get them repaired.
9. Also, it is common that during hot weather people take more showers and baths. Consider shortening the length of time in the shower and perhaps fill the bathtub only ½ full.

WATER WATCH PENALTIES

The following penalties shall apply for violations of Water Watch use restrictions imposed under this plan.

1. For a first violation, the utility shall issue a verbal or written notice of violation to the water use violating the water use restrictions imposed during a Water Watch.
2. For any subsequent violation within a 12-month period, a $50 surcharge shall be imposed on the customer’s water bill.

WCIRWA and DMU regret the need to ask the public for this conservation effort but believe it is in the best interest of the entire area. If everyone does their part, even in a small way, WCIRWA will be able to continue to provide an adequate supply of water for the essential purposes of West Central Iowa Rural Water and the City of Denison.

For more information or if you have questions:

Contact:                Jason Meredith    712-655-2534

Priority of usage if additional measures are needed will be:

1. Human consumption
2. Livestock consumption
3. Ag use for spraying