STORM LAKE, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — The City of Storm Lake has declared mandatory water conservation measures until further notice.
This comes after a voluntary conservation was issued last week. However, according to a release, water use has continued to spike to levels that stresses the capacity of the City’s storage and treatment facilities.
The release specified that water use on Sunday, June 23, was double the year-round average use. Conservation has been deemed necessary to ensure that there will be enough supply for residential and commercial use, as well as retain a reserve in the towers to supply any firefighting that may arise.
Water use has been limited to the following:
- No home or commercial lawn or tree watering between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. When watering, use a water control nozzle or sprinkler to reduce waste. Flower beds, pots, and vegetable gardens can be watered using a watering can.
- No vehicle washing at residential properties between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- No use of water to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- No power washing homes, buildings, or concrete areas without city approval and scheduling.
- New seedings and sod shall be delayed until further notice.
- Drinking water supply cannot be used for dust control or construction purposes unless approved by the City.
The release noted that mandatory conservation measures apply to outside contract users of City water. This includes residences of Lakeside, Lake Creek, and Truesdale. Mandatory measures apply to City uses as well, so there will be no flushing of streets, sewers, and hydrants.
The release concluded that if the mandatory measures do not reach a 20 percent reduction in water demand and the water plant reaches full capacity, the Mayor or City Manager would proclaim a Water Emergency with stricter measures. These measures can by found in the City’s Water Conservation Plan.