WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 1, 2026) – Today, Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) is easing water restrictions from Stage III to a Stage II Water Alert in its Regional Water Use Plan. The change is effective immediately for residential customers. The lawn watering ban will remain in effect for commercial and governmental customers, which will transition to Stage II, a 50% water reduction, through a phased approach as water supply and treatment conditions continue to improve.
Significant conservation efforts of residents and businesses in the region over the past 23 days have reduced water use and helped bring system demand back to levels that can be supported by available water treatment capacity. However, there is still a need to conserve water as CIWW and its member agencies are still dealing with water quality challenges.
“Today’s move from Stage III to Stage II is a direct reflection of the commitment to water reduction shown by our residents and businesses in central Iowa,” said Tami Madsen, executive director of CIWW. “By reducing water use during a critical period, our customers helped stabilize system demand and protect our regional water supply. While conditions have improved, we still need everyone’s support to use water wisely so we can continue to manage elevated nitrate concentrations in our source waters.”
The step down in restrictions will be done in stages, beginning today with asking residents across the region to reduce outdoor water use by half and continue practicing water conservation whenever possible. These actions help reduce peak water demand and preserve the region’s water supply. CIWW will issues guidance for businesses and government agencies next week.
Even/Odd Lawn Watering Schedule
It is critical during this period of high heat and increased usage that CIWW customers follow the regional even/odd watering schedule to help distribute outdoor demand more evenly across the system:
- No lawn watering on Monday
- Addresses ending in an even number: Water on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Addresses ending in an odd number: Water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
No lawn watering should occur on Mondays, which remain among the region’s highest water demand days. Before watering, assess your lawn’s moisture needs. Most lawns do not require watering on all three assigned days and can remain healthy with substantially less irrigation.
Ways to Conserve Water
In addition to following an even/odd water schedule, customers are encouraged to:
- Only water when needed
- Limit lawn watering to one or two days per week
- Water during early morning hours to reduce evaporation
- Avoid watering shaded areas
- Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or broken sprinkler heads
- Check sprinkler heads for overspray – avoid shooting water onto sidewalks or driveways
- Use a shutoff nozzle when washing vehicles
- Don’t hose off driveways or walkways
- Repair leaks within the home
CIWW and its member agencies continue to meet all federal drinking water standards. All seven regional water treatment plants remain in operation and are working together to maintain reliable service for more than 600,000 central Iowans.
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About Central Iowa Water Works
Founded in 2024 by 12 entities representing utilities, communities and rural providers, Central Iowa Water Works (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.