With high heat coming, voluntary water conservation continues

With daytime temperatures forecast to reach the high 90s, including high humidity, starting Saturday and continuing for the next several days, Creston water providers are asking their customers to voluntary use water conservation practices.

This summer has been a challenge for Creston Waterworks and Southern Iowa Rural Water Association. In June, Creston Water noticed a shortage of the amount of water created for use by the day. The goal is to have about 4,500 gallons ready a minute. That amount has been short by about 400 gallons. Over an extended amount of time, plus weather factors, the difference shows.

Although rains in recent weeks have helped, it’s still not the ideal setting.

“We still have an adequate supply of water,” said Creston Waterworks General Manager Steve Guthire. “But with real hot days, it can stress the system.”

Creston Water provides for SIRWA. SIRWA administration has also asked its approximate 11,600 customers to start voluntary water conservation. SIRWA has had other water-related issues in other parts of its service area. The rural water provider will begin using its own water treatment plant early next year.

“We are appreciative of our customers who are helping us out,” said Brenda Standley, co-manager of SIRWA.

Since June, Creston Water has started research of what is causing the shortage. The carbon filters, which are part of the water treatment process, have all been replaced over the past year. Three of them were changed this summer and water amounts did not increase.

Earlier this month, Creston Water ordered additional equipment to install in the water treatment process. Guthrie said he expects those devices will take weeks for data to be collected to hopefully determine the problem’s cause and location. Guthrie said Creston Water customers are asked to voluntary use water conservation practices until fall when daytime temperatures are cooler and water usage is not as prominent.

Guthrie said he is appreciative of people’s conservation efforts.

Each filter can treat 794 gallons a minute. At least five filters are needed to produce an adequate quantity. Guthrie said the new carbon filters are the same as ones being replaced. The speculation was debris buildup in the filters was slowing production. He said all other steps in the water treatment process appear to be working.

The city of Osceola has increased its water conservation efforts during the summer because of dry weather.