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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West Lake Exceeds Maximum Capacity for the First Time Since 2021

WATER LEVELS AT WEST LAKE

As of Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025, West Lake’s spillway overflowed for the first time since May 2021. This is a significant milestone in the recent battle with ongoing drought conditions in the area.

The Osceola Water Works team remains cautious about future water needs emphasizes their focus on a future reservoir and sustainable water solutions for Osceola customers…

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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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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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Osceola Water Works Customer Notification Regarding EPA Lead Service Line Inventory

Osceola Water Works is focused on providing safe drinking water and protecting the health of every household in our community.  In the coming days, some residents of the City of Osceola will receive a notification regarding their existing water pipe (called a service line) that connects the home, building or other structure to the water main.  This notification is being issued to property owners and tenants to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.  As part of the requirements of the 1986 Congressional Safe Drinking Water Act – Lead Ban, the Federal Government banned the installation of new lead

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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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New Faces at Osceola Water Works

The office staff at Osceola Water Works continues to grow and build on an already strong foundation of quality and customer service. Two new Utility Office Associates were added to the team earlier this year, bringing considerable knowledge and experience with them. In March of this year, OWW welcomed Ana Landeros Vasquez to their staff. Born in California, Ana moved with her family to Osceola nearly fifteen years ago and she and her husband still call the city home. After graduating from Clarke Schools, Ana continued her education at SWCC, earning her Business Administration and Associate of Arts degrees, as

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Osceola Water Works Exits Conservation Ordinance

west lake levels chart

At the June 6th 2024 Osceola Water Works Board meeting, the board voted to exit Section 1 – Water Watch of the Osceola Water Conservation ordinance. This means Osceola water customers are not under a conservation ordinance after more than a year of community-wide conservation efforts.

Click through to the latest to read more about the levels in Osceola’s West Lake and the future of water for the community…

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Recent Rains Ease Drought Concerns, But Water Works Encourages Continued Conservation

osceola water conservation ordinace section 2 - water warning

With the recent rains, the relief felt at the May 9th Osceola Water Works Board of Trustees meeting was palpable. With a jump in lake levels of more than 3.75 feet, the board unanimously decided to exit Section 3 – Water Emergency of the Osceola Water Works Conservation Ordinance and enter into Section 2 – Water Warning. 

Click through to the latest update from the Osceola Water Works team and learn more about what Section 2 – Water Warning means to you and your water use…

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Breaking Down Your Osceola Utility Bill

osceola iowa utility bill

After recent conversations with some of our customers, we realize there is still some confusion on the breakout of the utility bill administered by Osceola Water Works. While the bill customers receive includes fees for Water, Sewage, and Garbage, rates and management for the water portion is the sole responsibility of the Osceola Water Works. Any other utility rates and/or service management fees are controlled through the City of Osceola.

To help, we’ve provided a more detailed breakout with additional information on your Osceola utility bill. That can be found through the link below.

Again, if you have questions, we encourage you to reach out to the Osceola Water Works team through our Web site osceolawaterworks.com, or by calling 641-342-1435.

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