All Customers Urged to Focus on Water Conservation
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 9, 2026) – Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) announced the current 50% water reduction plans implemented last week remain unchanged. This means businesses and governmental entities must refrain from using their irrigation systems, while residential customers can continue watering their lawns on the even-odd schedule.
“Water conservation is important for central Iowa, and we are pleased with how residents are complying with the even-odd lawn watering schedule,” said Tami Madsen, Executive Director, CIWW. “However, the Technical Committee decided it is best to stay the course and assess next week.”
While water conservation efforts have helped manage demand, CIWW continues to address water quality challenges.
“The significant rain and flooding this past week have contributed to increased nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, two of the source waters used at the Fluer Drive Water Treatment Plant. The Nitrate Removal Facility continues to ensure the drinking water remains reliable and meets all state and federal standards,” said Madsen.
The chart below demonstrates the dilution effect of the heavy rains over the holiday weekend and the subsequent rise in nitrate levels with concentrations reaching levels that require continued advanced treatment.
Residential even/odd watering schedule
- No lawn watering on Mondays
- Even numbered addresses: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday
- Odd numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday Saturday
Residents are encouraged to:
- Reduce outdoor water use by 50%
- Water only when needed
- Limit lawn watering to one or two days a week when possible
- Water during early morning hours
- Check irrigation systems for leaks and overspray
- Avoid watering sidewalks and driveways
The most important message for residents is that Stage II does not mean a return to normal watering practices. Following an even/odd water schedule and watering one less day on top of that schedule is essential to help managing regional water demand.
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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.