New Water Works Board Member and Staff Added to Represent Diverse Community

On August 23, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
new water works employees osceola iowa

The Osceola Water Works Board recently had a vacancy with the resignation of board member, Kevin Rivera. Rivera’s absence revealed a loss in representation for the Osceola Water Works customer base. With the Hispanic population increasing throughout the area – 2020 U.S. Census records show Osceola with a 25.9% Hispanic population, 6.8% more than the National segment – the Water Board’s decision to make sure proper representation was maintained made the search for Rivera’s replacement take a little longer than initially expected. Sandra Ramos, the newest addition to the Water Works Board, was appointed on August 15th and will participate

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Water Works Board Passes Section 2 Water Conservation Ordinance

On August 4, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
osceola drought conditions august 3 2023

In the Thursday, August 3rd water board meeting, the Osceola Water Works board passed resolution 2023-20 authorizing the implementation of Section 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance. Due to an exceedingly dry Spring and continued dryer than normal Summer, the water levels at West Lake have seen little to no improvement over drought conditions from 2022. Even with recent rains, the lake levels remain more than 4 feet below drought stage. “We’ve really wanted to avoid this,” said Brandon Patterson, Water Works Superintendent. “But with the entire state under drought conditions, and our lake levels diminishing, we need to be

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

On August 1, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  

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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Dry Spring Raises Osceola Water Concerns

On June 29, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
low water levels in osceola iowa

The adage “April Showers Bring May Flowers” is nice, but when there’s less than expected rainfall, those flowers, and more-so, the water supply throughout the area suffers. Through April, May and June of this year, south central Iowa has seen lower than anticipated rainfall. With temperatures on the rise this week and the dog days of Summer just around the corner, the Osceola Water Works Board and staff are watching the water levels at West Lake closely. “West Lake levels continue to drop,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent. Our water supply will need to be monitored and we’ll

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PUBLIC NOTICE: UNITED FARMERS COOPERATIVE WATER MAIN RELOCATION

On June 27, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
osceola water main construction public notice

(OSCEOLA, IA – JUNE 27, 2023) United Farmers Cooperative and Osceola Water Works have partnered to relocate a public water main pipe from the Cooperative’s property to Main Street, (Highway 69). Denney Construction will be the contractor installing the new water main along Highway 69 to Leann Drive. Denney Construction plans to start construction of the new water main starting at the existing fire hydrant south of Cross Ministries Thrift Store. The project will construct approximately 400 linear feet of pipe north to Leann Drive. The water main will be bored under Main Street and connect back into the existing

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Water Works Board Lowers Conservation Restrictions; Voluntary Monitoring Necessary

On May 15, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
divers enter west lake to evaluate intake for osceola water works

The Osceola Water Works Board met for their regular monthly meeting and determined that the West Lakes water level which is now at 1069.83, where 1,072 MSL (Mean Sea Level) is considered “Full Pool,” the Board decided to exit Section 2 and enter Section 1.  Conservation Ordinance Section 1 asks the community to voluntarily monitor and conserve water as much as possible. “We want to make sure everyone is aware we’re still asking our customers to watch their water usage and to reduce waste, but some of the restrictions have been lightened until further notice,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water

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Spring has Sprung, but Water Works Warns of Usage Restrictions

On April 11, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
west lake water supply for osceola iowa

We love to see the grass greener and the flowers blooming. The signs of Spring have definitely started, but even with the recent storms, the water levels in West Lake are still below levels to properly meet demand for the community. Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Water Superintendent recently sent an update to Osceola’s City Administrator warning of the condition of water at West Lake. “We’re currently asking Osceola water users to operate under Water Conservation Plan: Section 2,” said Patterson. “Once we have confirmation updates to the intake can be made, or until we receive some substantial Spring rain,

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Students Learn About Careers in Water Operations and Management

On March 21, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
Osceola water works career day

Ever think what it’s like to work with one of your community’s most valuable resources? Students at Clarke Community High School spent the day with Osceola Water Works’ own Plant Foreman, Cory Gallup, discussing exactly that. As a part of the district’s career day, Cory spent the day with Clarke juniors and seniors discussing various aspects of a career in water operations. Students filed into Gallup’s presentation as part of a day-long tour that included local businesses, schools, and trade organizations to learn about various careers open to them after graduation. As an Osceola Water Works representative with more than

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UPDATE: Understanding Your Osceola Utility Bill

On March 13, 2023   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
osceola iowa utility bill sample

With the recent updates to the paper billing (sample shown to the right) and at the request of our customers, the team at Osceola Water Works wanted to further define and clarify the sections of the customers’ utility bill sent out each month. Osceola Water Works has an agreement with the City of Osceola to bill for city sewer (SW), the city sewer surcharge (SS) as well as city garbage services (GB) to conveniently keep all local utility services on one, convenient monthly statement.  With the new formatted billing, customers can easily see the itemization of each utility service on

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Osceola Water Works Researching Plans for Improved Water Quality

On October 20, 2020   /   General Water Works News, Important Water Works Updates  
water color in osceola iowa

It seems to be an annual occurrence. As soon as the heat of late summer hits, surface water sources around the midwest become victims of algae blooms, causing treatment challenges for municipalities and water departments and giving citizens concern for their water quality. In Osceola’s West Lake, the algae blooms have been increasingly difficult in the past few years. That, along with ageing filtration system challenges, has the Osceola Water Works team working hard to keep treatments ahead of the issue. Finally, after some engineering research and guidance from the DNR, they believe the issue can be addressed with some

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