Stage 3 Water Warning: Mandatory Lawn Watering Ban Now in Effect
Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) has issued a Stage 3 Water Warning, which includes a mandatory lawn watering ban effective immediately for customers across the region, including Bondurant-area customers served by affected water providers.
The restriction is not due to a lack of available water supply. Central Iowa continues to have adequate water volume available. Instead, the Stage 3 Water Warning is related to the capacity of the region's nitrate removal facilities. Recent conditions have resulted in elevated nitrate levels in source waters, and the treatment system can only process a finite amount of water through nitrate removal operations at one time while continuing to meet all state and federal drinking water standards.
Drinking water remains safe and continues to meet all regulatory requirements.
Under Stage 3 restrictions:
- 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 only be irrigated as needed for safety and plant preservation.
- Decorative water features that do not recirculate water should be turned off.
- All unnecessary outdoor water use should be discontinued.
Residents are also encouraged to reduce indoor water use by:
- Running full loads of laundry and dishes.
- Repairing leaks promptly.
- Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Delaying non-essential, high-water-use activities when possible.
The City of Bondurant appreciates residents' cooperation as communities across Central Iowa work together to reduce demand and maintain reliable water service during this period.
What about the City Park Splash Pad?
The City Park Splash Pad remains open and is not affected by the lawn watering ban. When the splash pad was designed, the City invested in a recirculating water system that collects, treats, and reuses water rather than continuously drawing new water from the regional water supply. Because the splash pad recirculates its water, it does not have the same impact on water demand as lawn irrigation.
For the latest updates and additional information regarding the water warning, visit CIWW.gov.
