Water Works Board Lowers Conservation Restrictions; Voluntary Monitoring Necessary

The Osceola Water Works Board met for their regular monthly meeting and determined that the West Lakes water level which is now at 1069.83, where 1,072 MSL (Mean Sea Level) is considered “Full Pool,” the Board decided to exit Section 2 and enter Section 1.  Conservation Ordinance Section 1 asks the community to voluntarily monitor and conserve water as much as possible.

“We want to make sure everyone is aware we’re still asking our customers to watch their water usage and to reduce waste, but some of the restrictions have been lightened until further notice,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent.

SECTION 1: WATER WATCH – VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION MEASURES include:

1. Reduced watering lawns, shrubs, or gardens, including automatic sprinklers
2. Reduced outdoor watering of all types between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.
3. Reduced car washing
4. NO Water should be used to wash streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, or building exteriors
5. NO water should be used for nonessential cleaning of commercial and industrial equipment, machinery, and interior spaces.
6. Water should be served at restaurants upon request
7. Voluntary reduction of water uses of all types is encouraged.

Divers enter West Lake to evaluate the lower intake for Osceola Water Works

The possibility of reverting back to Section 2 conservation is still on the table due to a drier March and April.

“For reference, predictions indicate May rainfall should be closer to five inches,” said Patterson.

Another significant factor influencing the Board’s decision to exit Section 2, was the information obtained when divers from Liquid Engineering Corporation, Billings, MT, entered West Lake to evaluate the intakes for Osceola’s water supply.

“The dive team reviewed the West Lake intakes and determined the upper intake was functioning at capacity,” said Patterson.

While additional work still needs to be done to shore up the overall intake efficiencies, the team is optimistic on maintaining good flow at both intake levels.

Some of the additional efforts to increase raw water flow to the treatment plant include valve replacements and a review of possibly raising the lower intake to improve water quality.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent, 208 West Jefferson Street, PO Box 515, Osceola, Iowa 50213, phone: 614-342-1435 email: [email protected]