Mandatory Lawn Watering Ban Effective Immediately
West Des Moines, Iowa (June 8, 2026) – The Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) Board of Trustees has initiated Stage 3 of its Water Use Plan,implementing a mandatory lawn watering ban for residential, business, and government customers across the region.
This action is necessary to preserve the region’s drinking water supply as water treatment facilities continue to manage elevated nitrate levels in source waters. While drinking water remains safe and meets all stage and federal standards, the regional water system is operating at the limits of its available treatment resources.
“Conditions have reached a point where mandatory conservation is necessary to protect reliable water service for more than 600,000 people across central Iowa,” said CIWW Executive Director Tami Madsen. “We are using every available tool in our system to maintain safe drinking water. Now we now need every customer’s help in reducing demand to maintain safe drinking water standards.”
To help manage elevated nitrate concentrations in source waters and ensure adequate treatment capacity, the regional system is utilizing all available resources, including the Nitrate Removal Facility, Maffitt Reservoir and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells.
Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions
Effective immediately throughout the CIWW service area:
- Lawn watering is prohibited except for newly installed sod or seed placed during the current growing season. Watering should be limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment.
- Sports fields and golf courses may be irrigated only to the minimum necessary for safety and plant preservation.
- Decorative water features that do not recirculate water should be turned off.
- Customers should immediately discontinue all unnecessary outdoor water use.
Indoor Conservation Strongly Encouraged
Customers are also urged to reduce indoor water use wherever possible by:
- Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Fixing leaking faucets, fixtures and running toilets .
- Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Delaying non-essential, high-water-use activities.
The following communities and agencies are affected by this alert: Ankeny, Clive, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, Waukee, Des Moines Water Works, Urbandale Water Utility, West Des Moines Water Works, Warren Water and portions of the Xenia Water District.
Customers can learn more about the Water Use Plan, current water restrictions and review frequently asked questions (FAQs) by visiting CIWW on Facebook and LinkedIn or at CIWW.gov.
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About Central Iowa Water Works
Founded in 2024 by 12 entities representing utilities, communities and rural providers, Central Iowa WaterWorks (CIWW) is the regional authority responsible for drinking water treatment, water system planning and the wholesale delivery of water across urban, suburban and rural Central Iowa. Together, CIWW members serve more than 600,000 Iowans and distribute nearly 20 billion gallons of water each year.
The founding members of CIWW are the cities of Ankeny, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, and Waukee, Des Moines Water Works, Urbandale Water Utility, West Des Moines Water Works, Warren and Xenia water districts. These local water utilities, rural providers or city water departments remain the contact for new accounts, bill-paying, water distribution and customer service.
