Water Board Asks for Conservation Diligence as Drought Conditions Worsen

drought levels in osceola west lake

While recent rains did little to mitigate the drought conditions plaguing the entire state, the measurements at Osceola’s West Lake over this past week show water levels continue to drop. On Tuesday the 5th of September, the measurement at the spillway was 61” below normal pool levels. With this information, the Water Board and employees at Osceola Water Works are asking the community to stay diligent with all levels of voluntary water conservation. “With West Lake being Osceola’s only viable water supply, we’re watching levels closely to make sure we can serve our customers safe, clean drinking water,” said Brandon

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Water Works Board Passes Section 2 Water Conservation Ordinance

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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Water Works Board Lowers Conservation Restrictions; Voluntary Monitoring Necessary

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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Osceola Water Board Increases Conservation Plan to ‘Water Warning’ Level

osceola water works drought water warning level

For much of 2022, the State of Iowa has been at or hovering precariously close to severe drought levels. According to mid-October measurements, 57% of the state was experiencing moderate drought levels – an increase from 52% just weeks before. Moving into November, statewide averages improved, but with little increase in precipitation the Osceola Water Board moved to increase the city’s water conservation plan from Section 1: Water Watch to Section 2: Water Warning. According to Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Superintendent, the Board decided to take this step based off of current water levels in West Lake and as a

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