The Storm Lake City Council in a special meeting this (Fri) morning passed mandatory conservation measures for users of the City’s water system.
Last week, the City asked residents to voluntarily conserve water, which City Manager Keri Navratil said has usually been successful in the past, but usage has gone up in the last week, which has put a lot of stress on the water treatment plant…(audio clip below)
Water restrictions are as follows…
THIS SATURDAY THROUGH THE 4TH OF JULY MONDAY…
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 TUESDAY, JULY 5TH…
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.
Navratil said fines will be issued to those who don’t follow water restrictions. If anyone is aware of any violators, they are urged to contact the City. Navratil said adjustments will be made as the usage amount improves. She said Storm Lake is one of the last cities in northwest Iowa to go into mandatory water restrictions.
Storm Lake’s average daily water usage is 3.5-million gallons. In recent weeks, the City has been averaging five-million gallons daily, which is the maximum amount that can be handled by the treatment plant. Navratil said industrial water use has been declining in recent years due to upgrades and measures that have been implemented, and the City is seeing an increase in residential use.
The City has had one less well in use since March. Navratil said they’re hoping to get a part for that well by the end of July, but in the meantime, added stress is being put on the City’s remaining wells.
