The Storm Lake City Council is looking ahead to potential water conservation measures that may be necessary beginning in the spring.
During the February 17 City Council meeting, Council Member Meg McKean encouraged ideas to convince the public to play a more active role in conserving water supply. “Somehow we have to get the word out there,” she said. “Our residents really need to help us conserve our water, and I think that really requires an educational program.”
With a relatively dry winter to date, and coming off four consecutive years in which Iowa has been in drought conditions, the City is hoping to be proactive in spreading the conservation message.
The U.S. Drought Monitor report for February currently lists the majority of the state as “abnormally dry,” or “moderate drought” conditions. The studies have listed Iowa in drought status since May of 2020, except for a period in the later part of the summer of 2024 when higher than normal rainfall lifted almost all of the state out of drought conditions for a time.
During the spring into summer months, water usage demand in Storm Lake increases dramatically. Typical use in the City is around 3.5 million gallons per day. In dry summer periods, demand can spike to 5 million gallons/day, straining the capacity of the water treatment facility and storage towers. The City is also required to comply with Department of Natural Resources permitting that limits the City’s allowable water collection and treatment capacity.
While a water plant project is in the planning stage, and a new water tower is currently being constructed to serve the growing community, conservation is necessary to ensure that there is a quality, consistent supply for all Storm Lake users, plus a reserve in the towers in the event of a firefighting need.
Typically under drought conditions, the City first declares a voluntary conservation period, asking residents to limit watering of lawns especially in the hottest part of the day when demand is at peak and water used evaporates away quickly. It also encourages limiting of power washing, filling of pools, vehicle washing and other uses that can be avoided. Voluntary conservation has had limited impact on reducing residential water use.
When necessary, the City has transitioned to mandatory conservation, including a ban on watering of lawns during daytime hours. Violators of mandatory conservation may face civil penalties.
While such declarations have some impact on demand, City officials feel that education on wise use of water resources will be important moving forward.
If dry conditions persist into the spring, watch for more information on how to reduce water use in homes and businessplaces. Even small actionable strategies can make a significant difference if the entire community is on board.