For Immediate Release: 5-31-2023
For more information contact:
Keri Navratil
712-732-8000
Navratil@stormlake.org
City of Storm Lake raises water conservation measures
The City of Storm Lake, through proclamation, has declared a Level 2 Voluntary Water Conservation Emergency. The conservation measures are outlined in the city’s Water Conservation Plan that was recently adopted by the city council.
The Level 2 declaration is in response to significantly increased daily water and extended weather forecasts calling for hot, dry conditions. Daily water use exceeded 4 million gallons/day earlier this week. The conservation measures will go into place immediately.
The Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Iowa, which limits maximum water use that can take place in a community.
Level 1 voluntary conservation in Storm Lake, which was declared earlier, is largely dedicated to public information and education for efficient use of water.
The Level 2 conservation that is now in effect is triggered by higher demand that typically occurs under drought conditions. Under this situation, the City will minimize flushing of hydrants, streets and sewers. Watering will be reduced on city properties including the golf course and ballfields, and watering of city plantings will not take place during the hotter periods of the day.
Permits will be issued to manage installation of new seeding or sod, power washing of buildings and concrete, and filling of outdoor pools. Contact Storm Lake City Hall for information on those uses.
Contract water users will be notified of the Level 2 situation and will also be asked to conserve.
For Storm Lake resident water users, the following measures are now in place:
- Minimize vehicle washing. If washing is necessary, use a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle and wash vehicles on lawns to ensure water is not wasted on concrete.
- Lawns and flower beds should not be watered between the hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Permits will be needed for outdoor swimming pools. Pools should only be filled between the hours of 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
- No lawn watering should take place during rain or high wind conditions.
- Power washing of sidewalks, buildings and driveways should be minimized.
City officials hope that voluntary cooperation will help ensure that there will continue to be an adequate supply of water for everyone, with the necessary reserve for fire suppression.
Being Storm Lake Proud is not one day, one week, one month or one event. Being Storm Lake Proud is a magnificent lifestyle! More information about the City of Storm Lake can be found on the city’s website at www.stormlake.org.
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