The measures are the same as during voluntary conservation periods, but municipal infractions will be issued for violations.
The action is necessary as two of the city's water wells are currently out of commission pending necessary and unforeseen repairs, limiting the amount of water that can be pumped. The situation puts stress on the other wells as they run at capacity to keep up with demand.
The City will see additional water need during the RAGBRAI visit July 23, when an expected additional 40,000 or more people will be in the community overnight.
The period also tends to be typically one of the hotter parts of summer, when water use is often at its highest.
Conservation will help ensure that water resources are adequate for everyone through this period, while maintaining the necessary reserve for fire suppression. If well repairs and demand allow, the mandatory period could possibly be lifted a little before the two week period expires, City Manager Keri Navratil told the City Council Monday evening.
The mandatory action is not due to improper usage by the public, Navratil stressed. "I want to thank our citizens. They have done a fantastic job on water conservation with voluntary measures."
The City is not in the position it was in last summer when use peaked to force a mandatory conservation declaration. This season, the public or at least the vast majority of residents have heeded voluntary measures, she said.
Mandatory conservation measures for city water users:
• Minimize lawn and flower bed watering. No watering between the hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. when use is highest and evaporation makes watering less efficient.
• Minimize car washing.
• Do not use water to clean driveways and sidewalks. Use a broom instead of hose to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways.
• No power washing of buildings or concrete is allowed.
• Outdoor pools may only be filled between the hours of 8-10 p.m. p.m. with a permit.
• Drinking water resources should not be used for dust control or construction purposes.
• Automatic car washes will assist the City as best they can at reducing water usage.
• No permits will be issued for new grass seeding or sod.
During the mandatory conservation period, the City will:
• Stop all street, sewer and hydrant flushing (except for emergencies).
• Avoid washing City vehicles.
• Curtail fire flow tests and fire training using water supply.
• Curtail use of fountains.
• Curtail lawn sprinkling on City property and ballfields
• Minimally water golf course greens.
• No permits for power washing or lawn seeding/sod installation will be issued.
• The City will issue municipal infraction for violators