First Phase of Water Main Replacement Project Nears Completion

If you’ve driven down West Garfield or North Fillmore lately, you may have noticed Osceola Water Works making some big changes underground. The project, which began earlier this summer, focused on replacing the old cast iron water mains in the 200 block of West Garfield and the 600 block of North Fillmore with brand-new PVC pipe. This upgrade is a big step forward in improving the service reliability of Osceola’s water system. Looking at the project numbers, crews installed roughly 768 feet of new 6-inch water main, added two fire hydrants, six gate valves, and replaced ten service connections going

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Osceola Water Works Announces Water Main Replacement Program

As part of ongoing efforts to improve and modernize Osceola’s water infrastructure, Osceola Water Works will begin the first of several planned water main replacement projects. This annual replacement program is designed to proactively tackle the community’s aging framework head-on. High-priority areas that have experienced repeated main breaks and service disruptions over the last several years will be the immediate focus. This year’s focus will be on the 200 Block of West Garfield Street and the 600 Block of North Fillmore Street.   The upcoming project will include the installation of approximately 768 feet of new 6-inch water main. Along with

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Osceola Water Works Response to Regional Water Restrictions

Recent headlines regarding water use restrictions across Central lowa may remind us of the Water Conservation restrictions that were in place in our community just a short time ago, due to drought and the quantity of water that was in West Lake, Osceola’s only source of water.  The restrictions issued by Central lowa Water Works (CIWW) are due to elevated nitrate levels in their primary water sources which are the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The issue is not a lack of available water, but rather limitations on how much water can be treated to meet federal safety standards.  These

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Water: The Clear Drink of Choice

In a world filled with tempting drink options that range from frothy coffees to fizzy sodas, it can be easy to overlook the cheapest and healthiest beverage: water. Yet, when comparing health benefits and cost against other popular drink choices, water consistently rises to the top as the smartest alternative for your body and your budget. Drinking water regularly plays an important part in keeping you healthy. It helps keep up your energy during exercise and day-to-day tasks, fights off fatigue and muscle cramps, and aids in digestion and detoxification. Hydration is also crucial for brain function, improving concentration, alertness,

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Final Call: Submit Your Water Line Info Before It’s Too Late

Osceola Water Works is issuing a final request to all customers: if you haven’t yet submitted information about your property’s water service lines, please do so before May 20, 2025.  The deadline to submit the EPA-mandated Lead Service Line Inventory is fast approaching, and once the report is finalized and submitted, no further properties can be added to the project list. Why This Matters to You The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised its Lead and Copper Rule, requiring all community water suppliers to complete a detailed inventory of lead service lines throughout their service area. This is a vital

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Revisiting West Lake Water Levels

As Osceola Water Works closely monitors the water levels at West Lake – Osceola, Iowa’s only water source, it’s important to reflect on the past and to keep the future of Osceola’s water supply in focus. This week’s lake level measured 1070.37 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL), which is five feet higher than it was at this time last year – but is still more than two feet below full pool level at 1072.7 feet above MSL. In April, 2024, West Lake Level was at 1065.00 and Osceola was in Section 3 – Water Emergency – Restrictions of the

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Annual Hydrant Flushing Complete – Out With the Old in With the New

Osceola Water Works staff has finalized this year’s fire hydrant flushing with minimal water waste thanks to a local business. Over the past few weeks, Water Department employees made their way around the city and opened fire hydrants for a short period of time, allowing them to flow freely. By doing this, staff were able to perform routine maintenance on the hydrants, making sure they were in good working condition in case of a fire. This process also cleans out sediment that has settled in the water mains and is just one of the ways Osceola Water Works makes sure

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NOTICE: Osceola Water Works Makes Switch from Chloramines to Free Chlorine

annual change to free chlorine

Starting on Monday, October 7, 2024 and continuing thru November 7, 2024, Osceola Water Works will make a temporary change in the disinfectant used in water treatment. Osceola’s annual switch from chloramines to free chlorine is a common practice in water treatment and OWW goes through the process every fall. Free chlorine is a stronger disinfectant than chloramine, but it cannot be used year-round because it creates byproducts that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The use of ammonia with chlorine – chloramines – reduces or eliminates these byproducts and helps Osceola Water Works continue to provide clean and safe

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Osceola Water Works Launches EPA-Driven Research for Lead Water Lines

For decades, the water lines and infrastructure to residential and commercial properties were made of lead and galvanized metals. With a recent announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requiring detailed documentation and subsequent reduction of lead and galvanized lines across the nation, the Osceola Water Works Board decided to proactively contract with V&K Engineering to begin the process of gathering data and creating a plan for the replacement of lead and galvanized lines throughout the Osceola water supply. While new construction has required the use of copper and plastic lines, the recent announcement brings past construction and older infrastructure

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NOTICE: Watch for Water Works Annual Treatment Change

water treatment, fire hydrant

Starting in October, Osceola Water Works will begin transitioning to winter maintenance and will be making a change in the water treatment process. While residents may notice a difference, there will be no cause for alarm. In early October, the water works department will begin their annual fire hydrant flushing program. This process allows OWW to perform routine maintenance on the hydrants and to clean out sediment that has settled in the water mains. Department employees will open the fire hydrants and allow them to flow freely for a short period of time. Residents may notice a slight discoloration or trace amounts

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