DES MOINES, Iowa — Central Iowa Water Works increased the voluntary reduction order to 50 percent and says facilities are working at full capacity.

Central Iowa Water Works expanded the voluntary reduction from 25% to 50% to help alleviate water supply issues currently caused by high nitrate concentrations in source waters.

“These conditions are really dynamic, it is very difficult to predict the nitrate concentrations in the rivers. So, you know, they can change by two milligrams per liter or more overnight, which is a 20% change, in what we see. So the temperature and weather are also dynamic; all these come together to create the perfect storm,” said Amy Kahler, Des Moines Water Works CFO.

Water Works says the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant has been running at full capacity for more than 50 days. Water Works cannot use the Raccoon River as a source due to record-high nitrate levels, mostly attributed to farm runoff.

They are now pulling from other rivers, lakes, and other sources, including the Maffitt Reservoir. The reservoir has been a source for Water Works since the 1940s, and says it’s an excellent backup source when facing water quality or quantity issues.

“It has been a great water source and an investment for us, and that’s something that Des Moines Waterworks has done over the decades, is position ourselves to be able to handle these types of challenges. So, the Maffitt Reservoir has been really critical,” said Kahler.

Water Works says they are still meeting regulations, but stress that if voluntary usage doesn’t decrease, they will consider imposing mandatory restrictions.

“Customers have pulled together in the past, and we’re hoping they do that again this time. If we don’t reduce our lawn watering, whether it’s voluntary or mandatory, we risk violating the safe drinking water standards for nitrate,” said Kahler. “That is something that we haven’t done for 30 years.”

Water Works asks homeowners to reduce lawn watering to one day a week, abstain from washing cars and filling pools, and use less water in the home.

In support of the voluntary reduction, Des Moines Parks and Recreation is adjusting its 17 splash pad hours to noon through 6 p.m. daily.

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