On 11/18/2023 and 11/19/2023 divers were onsite at West Lake. By the end of the day on the 19th, the reconfigured intake extension was successfully installed and water works crews tested pulling water from that lower intake. Due to low lake levels, Water Works staff will begin transitioning over to pulling water from the lower intake in the next few weeks. Osceola Water Works will continue to provide updates before this change occurs. With the extra capacity added from raising the intake, the seasonal decrease in usage as well as the success with conservation measures, Osceola Water Works estimates the
More from My Water Works →Below is a schedule of activities pertaining to raising the lower intake: Nov 4 – 5 Dive team was onsite to install components to raise the lower intake 4 feet. A large rock located in the intake area created challenges for the divers to effectively raise the intake. It was determined that a portion of the rock would need to be removed. Nov 11 Dive team was onsite to cut a decent sized chunk of the rock out of the way. They now feel they have enough clearance to raise the intake. Nov 18 – 19 Four dive team members
More from My Water Works →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
More from My Water Works →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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