May 14, 2025
Due to the declining watershed in their wellfield and sustained water usage, Regional Water announced that the Board of Directors has implemented the "Level RED" advisory for its member customers and communities on their ATP System. This is the highest level of Mandatory Water Use Restrictions of its Emergency Water Conservation Plan.
General Manager Tom Kallman stated "To protect the remaining supply of drinking water
and ensure equitable access for all, we are implementing Level RED Emergency Water
Rationing, effective May 14, 2025. The priority of use is for human consumption, personal hygiene, and cooking."
The "Level RED" restrictions only affect the Avoca Treatment Plant System, which
includes members and customers of the Association in Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Harrison, and Northern Pottawattamie Counties. Included are the communities of Avoca, Persia, Panama, Portsmouth, Westphalia, Kirkman, Tennant, Earling, Exira, and Brayton.
Why This Is Happening:
Drought conditions have persisted with below-average rainfall.
Water sources are operating at less than 60% capacity.
Demand has exceeded sustainable supply levels, especially during peak usage periods.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions:
Effective immediately, the following restrictions are in place:
1. No outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, or landscapes.
2. No washing of vehicles, driveways, sidewalks, or buildings.
3. No filling or refilling of swimming pools, hot tubs, or ornamental fountains.
4. Restaurants may only serve water upon request.
5. Lodging facilities must offer guests the option to reuse linens and towels.
6. All leaks must be repaired within 48 hours of detection.
7. Water use for construction purposes is restricted to essential activities only.
Enforcement:
Water usage will be monitored.
Violations may result in fines or service restrictions.
How You Can Help:
Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Use water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
Note: Municipal and community events should strongly consider the use of portable latrines for events.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SYSTEM REMAINS UNDER A BOIL ADVISORY.
For more information, please contact the Regional Water Office at 712-343-2413.
This notice is being sent to you by the Regional Water Public Water Supply System
PWSID#: IA8300184 Date Distributed: 5-14-2025
May 10, 2025
Regional Water is recommending boiling the water before using it for drinking and to use an alternative source if possible for its Avoca Treatment Plant customers. {All customers except those in and around Underwood, McClelland, & Weston}.
Regional Water had a problem with the distribution system due to excessive demand and the system lost pressure on May 10, 2025. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is recommended that the water be boiled before being used for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source be used. The pressure loss is affecting over half of their system, prompting the system-wide boil advisory.
IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes. If the water is colored, use an alternative source such as bottled water.
For more information, please contact the Regional Water Office at 712-343-2413. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
When water service is restored, there may be air in your water piping and the water may be discolored. It is recommended to run the first water from a faucet that does not have an aerator screen, such as a bathtub or hose bib. Open the faucet slowly to allow the air to escape. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run until it is clear. The water may be cloudy at first due to air in the water or particles that dislodged as the pipes filled with water. This should be clear fairly quickly. If water is cloudy or colored throughout the house and it does not clear after allowing the water to run for several minutes, use an alternative source such as bottled water and contact Regional Water at the number listed above.
The system is being repressurized, and bacteria samples will be collected. This advisory is a precaution until bacterial sample results are available. You will be notified when the results are available and the advisory is lifted.
The system is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to resolve the situation.
This notice is being sent to you by Regional Water.
PWSID#: IA 8300184
Date distributed: 5-10-2025
