Archive for the ‘Conservation’ Category
May 23, 2013Managed Irrigation Requested, Even as Drought Conditions throughout Central Iowa Improve
Des Moines Water Works is asking metro area customers – residential and commercial – to manage seasonal irrigation for the next several weeks, even as drought conditions throughout the state continue to improve.
Due to the recent historic nitrate concentrations found in the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, Des Moines Water Works is not currently pulling water from either river. The utility is able to meet current demand by relying on other water sources, including Maffitt Reservoir, Crystal lake and aquifer storage wells. If demand increases, Des Moines Water Works will have no choice but to start taking water from the heavily polluted rivers, and may be unable to remove nitrate in a manner that keeps up with high demand.
“Although drought conditions are no longer an immediate threat to Central Iowa, increased nitrate levels from agricultural run-off, coupled with high demand, puts Des Moines Water Works in a difficult position,” Bill Stowe, CEO and General Manager, Des Moines Water Works. “With the assistance of all metro customers using water wisely, Des Moines Water Works can effectively and efficiently use the available water supply to provide safe drinking water that does not violate nitrate standards.”
Wise use of water is defined as identifying efficient lawn irrigation practices, taking advantage of technological advances to eliminate waste, as well as being alert to and repairing leaking household fixtures or other large water consumption appliances in homes and businesses.
Wise water best practices for residential and commercial irrigation use include:
- Avoid lawn watering, whether from an in-ground sprinkler system or manual sprinkler, during the day time hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Evaporation from the sun is highest during this time period and less water is absorbed into the soil, meaning more water must be used to get the same effect than if watering is done outside these hours.
- Shift watering to no more frequently than the ODD numbered days of the week if your house address ends with an ODD number and EVEN numbered days if your house address ends with an EVEN number. For example, if your house number is “1521,” it is suggested that you water on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and so on days of the month.
- Test the irrigation system each spring to ensure there are no leaking sprinkler heads and that each head is properly directing its spray onto the turf and landscape.
2013 Environmental Impact Awards
The Center on Sustainable Communities, Des Moines Water Works, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Metro Waste Authority and MidAmerican Energy will honor six organizations with Environmental Impact Awards at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The awards program will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines.
The Environmental Impact Awards were established in 2011to recognize organizations and leaders who exemplify environmentally sustainable practices. The 2013 Award Winners are:
Built Environment (presented by Center on Sustainable Communities)
- Commercial: DART Central Station
- Residential: Oakridge Neighborhood Teen Center
Business (presented by Greater Des Moines Partnership)
- Small Business: The ReWall Company, LLC
- Large Business: Iowa Health-Des Moines
Civic (presented by Metro Waste Authority)
- Government Body: City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation
- Non-governmental Organization: Iowa Legal Aid
Two organizations will receive special recognition for excellence in water management and energy efficiency at the May 15 luncheon. These excellence awards are provided by Des Moines Water Works and MidAmerican Energy, respectively.
Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and registration is available online at www.icosc.com.
Drought Preparations
With continued concerns about drought and a desire to ensure mechanisms are in place with the State of Iowa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville, Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) requested the release of water from Saylorville on January 16. For six hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., about 5 million gallons of water was released at a rate of 30 cubic feet per second (cfs = 7.5 fluid gallons). To prepare for possible drought conditions again this summer, DMWW wanted to ensure that a future release could occur in a timely fashion.
In 1982, DMWW signed agreements with the State of Iowa and the United States of America in regards to water storage space in Saylorville Reservoir. DMWW paid $2.4 million for the storage rights, and we continue to pay $100,000 per year for maintaining a pumping facility.
“Des Moines Water Works has never exercised the process of releasing our water supply at Saylorville Reservoir,” said Bill Stowe, Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager. “But given last year’s drought conditions, including poor water quality while in short supply, it is in our best interest to test the procedures to protect all our water resources for our ratepayers.”
The State of Iowa has the right to request the release of 18.86% of the volume of water in Saylorville when levels are between 812-836-feet. Two-thirds of that volume would be for DMWW purposes and the other one-third for Alliant Energy in Ottumwa.
There are two components to water release from Saylorville Reservoir:
- Water quality release – this release ensures that there is enough water to support the wildlife habitat in and along the river.
- Water supply release – the potential additional water release for Des Moines Water Works and Alliant Energy. Saylorville has a specific release plan in place for varying water levels.
The water released from Saylorville Reservoir directly benefits both the Fleur Drive and Saylorville Treatment Plants. DMWW can also release water from Maffitt Reservoir to benefit the L.D. McMullen Treatment Plant as needed, too.
Other proactive measures are already in place in the event of continued drought conditions. DMWW has acquired permits to dredge parts of the Des Moines River if the channel is not bringing enough water to our intake at Prospect Park. We also have a permit to dredge part of the Raccoon River to impact the channel by the flooding station to keep the recharge ponds and Gallery maximized.
Des Moines Water Works plans to meet all of our customer needs by these increasing available supplies of water, but if the drought continues, asking the public to conserve water, particularly in regards to lawn irrigation, may once again be requested.
Metro-wide Water Conservation Request Lifted
The Stage 1 Water Conservation request made by Des Moines Water Works and all metro area water utilities to voluntarily cease or reduce lawn irrigation will be canceled, effective September 1.
Customer water demand has tapered off in recent weeks as peak lawn irrigation season is past, and voluntary water conservation is no longer necessary; however, if low river flows and dry ground conditions persist into next spring and summer, the conservation plan will need to be reinitiated.
The water conservation request was issued in July due to the excessive temperatures and near historic low river levels. Des Moines Water Works customers set a record water usage of 96.6 million gallons on July 24, and the month of July was an all-time record month of 2.5 billion gallons of water.
“While the Stage 1 request calling for decreased lawn irrigation has been lifted for now, we encourage all Des Moines and suburb customers to continue observing wise water practices to be good stewards of nature’s most precious resource,” said Randy Beavers, Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager.
Stage 1 Water Conservation Update
Metro area residential and business customers continue to support the Stage 1 Water Conservation request made by all of the Des Moines area water utilities to voluntarily cease or reduce lawn irrigation, after pumping a record 96.6 million gallons on July 24.
With cooler temperatures, customer water demand has dropped to somewhat lower levels than typical of late summer when turf irrigation is reduced; however, river levels remain at near historic low levels, with the outlook for the remaining late summer and fall months to be drier than normal.
The metro-wide Stage 1 Water Conservation Plan – which is voluntary and targeted at reduced turf irrigation – is still in effect, and will remain in effect through the end of August. Watering of gardens, plants and other landscaping was not targeted in the Stage 1 conservation efforts and may continue through the fall. Since Stage 1 is a voluntary effort, customers who have damaged turf and desire to restore it in September – which is an ideal time for reseeding – may irrigate the damaged/repaired sections of their lawn.
“The Des Moines area water utilities continue to emphasize the wise use of water both inside and outside the home and businesses.” said Randy Beavers, Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager. “Residential and business customers can do their part by not over-irrigating and maintaining properly working irrigation systems.”
For more information on the Stage 1 Water Conservation Plan, as well as daily water pumpage updates, visit http://www.dsmh2o.com/reducing-water-consumption-by-10-percent.
Successful Gardening in a Drought
As drought conditions continue, it is essential to monitor your trees, shrubs and plants to avoid losing them for good. As a general rule, most plants require a minimum of one inch of rain a week to remain healthy. This can be obtained by either rainfall or watering. Watering should be done in the early morning or early evening to avoid the hottest part of the day and evaporation. Adhering to Des Moines Water Works stage 1 water conservation guidelines, it is also requested that any watering be done every other day.
Trees, shrubs, and perennials should be watched for either curling leaves or flagging (yellowing of the leaves). A periodic, heavy watering is more beneficial than a light, daily spraying on these plants. A bucket of water with small holes in the bottom allows water to slowly release into the soil giving a more uniform watering. Using a two-inch thick layer of mulch around these plants will also help retain moisture levels in the soil and reduce water evaporation. Trees that have been in the ground for less than five years should have priority over older trees.
Vegetable, annual and container gardening dry out much faster than other plants and watering should be done in the morning or late evening. Vegetable crops will likely be smaller than normal due to the heat. They tend to use the energy from water and sunshine just to flower and stay alive and don’t have enough extra energy to produce the crop.
Most brown grass is considered dormant, not dead. Applying a fertilizer would not be recommended in these conditions. Fall aeration and over-seeding would be better money spent. Under DMWW stage 1 water conservation guidelines, it is requested that residents and businesses in the Des Moines metro area cease or reduce lawn irrigation. If you must irrigate (new sod), do so early morning or late evening, and every other day.
Brown is the New Green
Recent requests from Des Moines Water Works and metro suburbs asking residential and business customers to eliminate or reduce turf irrigation has presented the opportunity for customers to be “green” by allowing their grass to go brown.
Many environmentally conscious residential and commercial customers have made significant reductions in water use. For example, Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines has reduced its outdoor water usage by 50 percent.
“When residents are asked to help conserve water, we know Mercy needs to do its part,” said Roy Young, manager of Mercy Properties and Plant Operations. “Typically our lawn irrigation systems run at night for 20 minutes on the Mercy Central Campus, Mercy College and Mercy Park Apartments. We’ve cut that to 10 minutes, and in some cases less. In a drought situation every bit of conservation helps.”
Another environmentally conscious customer, Quick Trip Corporation, has completely shut off irrigation at 22 Des Moines area locations.
It makes good sense to be a wise water user all year long, not just in times of drought. Residential and business customers can do their part by not over-irrigating and maintaining properly working irrigation systems. Des Moines Water Works and metro area suburbs appreciate customers pulling together and making small sacrifices, primarily in reduced irrigation, to help ensure Des Moines Water Works can continue to deliver a quality and reliable water supply.
Reducing Water Consumption by 10 Percent
In response to Des Moines metro area customers using a record 96.6 million gallons of water, Des Moines Water Works and suburb communities implemented Stage 1 of a water conservation plan, with a goal to reduce total water consumption by 10 percent. Des Moines Water Works and all metro area suburbs’ primary focus in achieving reduced usage included asking residential and business customers to voluntarily cease lawn irrigation.
How Are we Doing?
Click to enlarge. This graph will be updated as information becomes available.
Stage 1 Water Conservation Facts
- Des Moines Water Works, with cooperation from metro area suburbs, implemented stage 1 of its water conservation plan on July 24.
- Stage 1 asks residential and business customers to voluntarily cease lawn irrigation and take other actions to help conserve water.
- Due to low river levels and water quality issues in the rivers, stage 1 water conservation practices are requested until the weather pattern changes. As of August 21, the voluntary request is still in effect through the end of August.
- The following communities/water utilities are included in the stage 1 water conservation plan:
- City of Alleman
- City of Altoona
- City of Ankeny
- City of Berwick
- City of Bondurant
- City of Carlisle
- City of Clive
- City of Cumming
- City of Johnston
- City of Mitchellville
- City of New Virginia
- City of Norwalk
- City of Pleasant Hill
- City of Polk City
- City of Runnells
- City of St. Charles
- City of Waukee
- City of Windsor Heights
- Des Moines Water Works
- Indianola Municipal Utilities
- Polk County Benefited Water District
- Polk County Rural Water District #1
- Urbandale Water Utility
- Warren Water District
- West Des Moines Water Works
- Xenia Rural Water
What is Des Moines Water Works Doing?
- Des Moines Water Works has turned off three decorative water fountains located on its Fleur Drive/George Flagg Parkway property. The Memorial Garden fountain in Water Works Park will be turned back on for scheduled rental activities.
- Des Moines Water Works has ceased turf irrigation at several locations, except for the Memorial Garden fountain lawn, which has been reduced to every other day.
- Des Moines Water Works has reduced watering of the Fleur Drive median plants to every other day.
- Des Moines Water Works has suspended fire hydrant flushing program. In the case of water main breaks/repairs, fire hydrants must be flushed for water quality purposes.
- Des Moines Water Works has requested the City of Des Moines reduce irrigation at municipal golf courses and other turf lawns throughout the city, where possible.
What Can a Homeowner Do?
- Voluntarily suspend lawn irrigation.
- If you must water, you are encouraged to do so no more than every other day and between the hours of 8:00 pm, and 6:00 am. Also check to make sure all sprinkler heads are working correctly and pointing in the correct direction.
- You may continue watering flowers and vegetable gardens.
- Don’t leave water running if you wash a car at home.
- Don’t use water to hose down sidewalks and driveways, use a broom instead.
- Don’t leave water running when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Consider taking shorter showers.
These wise water use measures make good sense to do year-round, but the primary factor that will lower water demand is reduced lawn irrigation.
What Can Businesses Do?
- Voluntarily suspend lawn and turf irrigation.
- If you must water, you are encouraged to do so no more than every other day and between the hours of 8:00 pm, and 6:00 am. Also check to make sure all sprinkler heads are working correctly and pointing in the correct direction.
- You may continue to water flower and vegetable gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Des Moines Water Works and Des Moines area suburbs initiate stage 1 of the water conservation plan?
Lower demand increases water tank levels, which help customers see an increase in water pressure and also ensures a sufficient supply of water for fire protection.
Q: How long will stage 1 last?
Due to low river levels and water quality issues in the rivers, stage 1 water conservation practices are requested until the weather pattern changes.
Q: Is compliance mandatory?
No. Conservation is strongly encouraged but only voluntary at this time.
Q: Will I be fined if I water my lawn?
No. Not in stage 1.
Q: Has Des Moines Water Works implemented water conservation practices before?
Likely during the drought of 1977; that was the last drought year in which there was a severe shortage of water in the Raccoon River. That was Des Moines Water Works only source water plus the infiltration gallery along the Raccoon River to supply water to the Fleur Drive water treatment plant. Des Moines Water Works only had one treatment plant at that time and it was also when there were not near the amount of in-ground sprinkler systems that exist today.
Q: Does Des Moines Water expect to move to stage 2? What does stage 2 entail?
Des Moines Water Works does not foresee moving beyond Stage 1 prior to September 1, unless river flow and weather patterns persist, such that historic low river flows are reached. Stage 2 still implements voluntary conservation measures to achieve a 30% water reduction but asks in addition to Stage 1, that public agencies look to suspend decorative fountains and close any recreational facility that is known water waster like a leaking swimming pool.
Stage One Water Conservation Implemented for Des Moines Metro Communities
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 24, 2012) – Des Moines Water Works, with cooperation from metro suburbs, have implemented stage 1 of a water conservation plan. The objective of stage 1 of the conservation plan is to reduce water usage by 10 percent. The primary focus in achieving reduced usage is in the amount of water being used to irrigate turf and lawns.
Des Moines Water Works pumped a record 95.64 million gallons of water on Monday. The previous record of 92 million gallons was set in June 2006. In addition to record pumpage which is stressing some area water facilities with lower pressure, water quality of source waters is creating treatment issues.
“We are asking resident and business customers throughout the metro area, including our suburban communities, to voluntarily cease irrigation and let their lawns go dormant,” said Randy Beavers, CEO and General Manager, Des Moines Water Works. “Municipal golf courses have been asked to reduce their irrigation water.”
If there is some compelling reason an owner cannot shut down their irrigation system, it is requested that they lower the volume of water used by reducing the amount of time the system runs, and do so on odd/even days. For example, if your address ends in 1, 3, 5, etc., lawn watering is acceptable on odd days of the month and vice-versa for even addresses.
Watering of gardens and flower beds may continue under the stage 1 of the conservation plan, but reduced levels are requested.
Other “wise water use” measures that make good sense in these hot dry times which are outlined in the plan are:
- Wash dishes and laundry when you have full loads
- Don’t leave water running if you wash a car at home
- Don’t use water to hose down sidewalks and driveways, use a broom instead
- Consider taking shorter showers
- Don’t leave water running when brushing your teeth or shaving
“These wise water use measures make good sense to do year-round, but the primary factor that will lower water demand is reduced lawn irrigation,” said Beavers.
There are some decorative lawn and turf areas around the metro area that are not addressed under stage 1, but just like golf courses, it is requested that those systems be operated and managed to reduce water use where possible.
Stage 1 will stay in effect until the weather pattern changes so that water demand drops below 80 million gallons of use daily. Further stages of the conservation plan will be considered if the drought persists such that a water shortage is forecast. Further stages of the plan would call for a 30 percent usage reduction by residential customers and 10 percent by business and industry.
“We are asking for the public’s assistance in achieving this 10% voluntary reduction, which will help keep our water tanks full and water pressures elevated,” said Beavers.
Fill’er up! DSM H2GO Mobile Water Filling Stations
Be on the lookout for mobile water filling stations, operated by Des Moines Water Works at upcoming community events. Enjoy quality Des Moines water on the go. Each DSM H2GO station features six water spigots to fill your reusable water bottle, one drinking fountain and a dog bowl for your thirsty pets!
Des Moines Water Works tap water doesn’t just taste great:
It’s clean: Des Moines Water Works ranked number one on Forbes.com list of U.S. cities with the cleanest drinking water.
It’s healthy: Water contains zero calories, zero sugar and zero fat. A typical 12-ounce can of soda contains about 150 calories and the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Sports drinks, which are marketed as healthy alternatives, have as many calories as sugary beverages and usually contain high levels of sodium.
It’s affordable: Des Moines Water Works tap water is a great deal. At approximately one penny per gallon, it is about 1,000 times less expensive than bottled water.
It’s green: Plastic water bottles produced for the U.S. use 1.5 million barrels of oil a year – enough to power 250,000 homes or 1000,000 cars all year. And it takes more than 3 liters of water to produce each liter of water.
It’s convenient: Quality water is available right from the tap. DSM H2GO mobile water stations will be available at upcoming community events, making staying hydrated easy and affordable. Look for the DSM H2GO station at Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday, July 21. Free water bottles will be given out while supplies last.
Live healthy. Be green. Drink tap!