What's Happening?
Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) is urging residents in the Des Moines metro area to voluntarily limit their water usage as summer approaches. This request comes in response to unusually high nitrate levels in the area's raw drinking water sources, which
have persisted since January. At a recent news conference, CIWW officials, along with leaders from Des Moines Water Works and West Des Moines Water Works, highlighted the potential for another lawn watering ban this summer if current conditions continue. Last year, a similar ban was implemented due to high nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which threatened the drinking water supply. The ban was lifted in late July. CIWW serves approximately 600,000 people and has been running its nitrate removal system extensively, costing up to $16,000 per day. State lawmakers have allocated $25 million to CIWW to upgrade its nitrate removal facilities, potentially doubling its capacity within three years.
Why It's Important?
The call for water conservation is crucial as it directly impacts the drinking water supply for a significant portion of Iowa's population. High nitrate levels pose a risk to public health, and managing these levels is essential to ensure safe drinking water. The financial burden of operating the nitrate removal system is substantial, and the recent state funding aims to alleviate this by enhancing the system's capacity. This situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for infrastructure investment to address environmental challenges. Residents' cooperation in conserving water can help mitigate the immediate threat and reduce operational costs for the water utility.
What's Next?
If nitrate levels remain high, CIWW may implement a formal water use plan, including restrictions on lawn watering and other non-essential water uses. The utility will continue to monitor nitrate concentrations and adjust its operations accordingly. The planned upgrades to the nitrate removal facilities, funded by the state, are expected to be completed within three years, providing a long-term solution to the nitrate issue. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water usage, particularly with irrigation systems, as the region has experienced adequate rainfall recently.
