Central Iowa Water Works allows lawn watering again

Central Iowa Water Works is easing outdoor watering restrictions after improving water supply and treatment conditions, allowing customers to resume lawn irrigation while still asking residents to significantly cut back on water use.Effective Monday, July 20, Central Iowa Water Works moved all residential, commercial and government customers from a Stage III Water Warning, which included a lawn watering ban, to a Stage II Water Alert.Under the Stage II alert, outdoor watering is once again allowed, but customers are being asked to reduce lawn watering by about 50% and follow the region’s even/odd watering schedule.Officials emphasized that simply following the even/odd schedule is not enough. Customers are also expected to water one fewer day than the schedule allows in order to meet the 50% reduction goal and help reduce peak water demand.”We appreciate the community’s commitment to conserving water and using it wisely,” Central Iowa Water Works Executive Director Tami Madsen said in a statement. “Improving water supply and treatment conditions allow us to ease restrictions, but reducing lawn watering by 50% remains essential to protecting our water supply, managing peak summer demand, and ensuring a reliable source of drinking water for the region.”Central Iowa Water Works said the continued conservation efforts are needed to protect the regional water supply and ensure reliable drinking water service throughout the summer.Central Iowa Water Works shares tips on how customers can conserve waterDuring this stage of water conservation, Central Iowa Water Works customers are encouraged to:Reduce lawn watering by half and only water when neededLimit lawn watering to one or two days per week.Water during early morning hours to reduce evaporationShorten sprinkler run times by half and avoid watering shaded areasUse a shutoff nozzle when washing vehiclesDon’t hose off driveways or walkwaysInspect irrigation systems for leaks or broken sprinkler headsCheck sprinkler heads for overspray – avoid shooting water onto sidewalks or drivewaysCIWW also encourages customers to follow the regional even/odd watering schedule:Even-numbered addresses (122 Main St.): Sunday, Wednesday or FridayOdd-numbered addresses (123 Main St.): Tuesday, Thursday or SaturdayMost lawns do not require watering on all three days and may remain healthy with substantially less irrigation.Customers are strongly encouraged to avoid watering on Mondays because of high regional demand.