DES MOINES, Iowa — The Central Iowa Water Works has announced there are no longer restrictions on lawn watering, but it is asking for some voluntary reduction in outdoor water use.

On Thursday, CIWW declared it is ending its Stage III lawn irrigation plan and instead asking customers to reduce outside watering by 25 percent. Local governments and school districts are also now allowed to resume lawn watering and irrigation.

CIWW said the decision to lift the ban was made on the CIWW Technical Committee’s confidence that the organization can continue to meet safe water drinking standards, including nitrate concentration levels below 10 milligrams per liter, despite increased demand.

“The ban is lifted, but we believe it is prudent to proceed with Stage 1 voluntary conservation
measures,” said Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works. “We still see some
variability in nitrate concentrations in the rivers, and we are continuing to operate the nitrate removal facility at its minimum level.”

The lawn watering ban was enacted on June 12th, and restrictions have been relaxed since.

CIWW recommends customers continue with an even-odd lawn watering schedule with even-numbered addresses watering on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, and those with odd-numbered addresses watering on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. No watering is recommended on Mondays.