Recent headlines regarding water use restrictions across Central lowa may remind us of the Water Conservation restrictions that were in place in our community just a short time ago, due to drought and the quantity of water that was in West Lake, Osceola’s only source of water.
The restrictions issued by Central lowa Water Works (CIWW) are due to elevated nitrate levels in their primary water sources which are the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The issue is not a lack of available water, but rather limitations on how much water can be treated to meet federal safety standards.
These restrictions do not affect Osceola Water Works customers.
Water treatment processes play a key role in making sure the water from our taps is safe, for drinking, cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene as well as supporting healthy communities and preventing the spread of illness. These processes of converting raw water into clean, drinkable (finished) water, take time. The more water that is needed for consumption, the less time there is to let it go thru the treatment processes, therefore, creating the inability to remove and treat the water for nitrates and other undesirable constituents before it is distributed to customers. In addition to the restrictions, CIWW has shifted to alternate water sources, like groundwater and the Maffitt Reservoir that have lower levels of nitrate present.
High levels of nitrates in drinking water can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and infants under six months. The most well-known condition is methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome”, which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Long-term exposure to elevated nitrates has also been linked to thyroid issues and certain
cancers.
OWW works diligently to ensure that the water you drink and use daily is clean and safe. In fact, during our most recent testing period, nitrate levels measured <0.125 mg/L. The EPA’s maximum contaminant level is 10 mg/L.
While Osceola is not facing the same safety concerns or restrictions, responsible water use is always encouraged. A few simple ways to conserve include installing low-flow fixtures in your home, repairing any leaking toilets, faucets or pipes, and avoiding excessive lawn and garden watering, especially during peak daylight hours.
If you have any questions about your water quality or conservation efforts, please contact the Osceola Water Works office at 208 West Jefferson Street, PO Box 515, Osceola, IA 50213, by phone: (641) 342-1435, or by email at [email protected].
Leave a Reply