Storm Lake residents, as well as other users of the local water system, are reminded to conserve water as the demand situation continues to intensify.
A well is down, and treatment facilities are struggling to keep up with demand as water use peaks in the hot, dry weather. Steps to control water use are becoming necessary. Residents are especially reminded to avoid watering lawns, gardens, and commercial properties from 8am to 8pm. Residents are asked to use a nozzle that will control flow to avoid wasting water.
If peak water usage cannot be reduced by voluntary measures, Storm Lake officials say they will have to consider mandatory conservation measures, possibly as soon as next week. The City’s water use has been hovering around the five-million gallon per day mark, which is far above the normal 3.5-million gallon rate. Five-million gallons daily is considered the maximum for the local system. The strain to supply this amount can take a toll on the remaining wells.
The Storm Lake system also supplies water for Lakeside, Lake Creek, Casino Beach, and Truesdale. The full list of voluntary water conservation requests can be found below.
1. Lawns, gardens and commercial properties should not be watered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. When watering, please use a nozzle that will control flow to avoid wasting water.
2. Anyone who needs to use power washers on buildings or concrete is asked to contact the City of Storm Lake at 732-8000 so a lower demand time can be scheduled.
3. Vehicle washing should not take place during the high-demand daytime hours. If car washing is necessary, it’s a good idea to do it on a lawn to make best use of the water instead of allowing it to run to the storm sewer.
4. Water uses such as washing down driveways and refilling pools should be avoided if possible, and if necessary, do these things outside the 8 a.m.-8 p.m. window.
5. Golf course fairways can be watered from 2-6 a.m. An exception for watering the golf course greens as needed is allowed.
