06/08/2026
*For more information, questions, comments, or feedback regarding this post, please contact Public Works at email: [email protected]
Official Statement Regarding Stage III Water Conservation Measures
*This is an order released by CIWW. The City of Norwalk, along with all 12 member agencies, does not have the ability to deviate from this order.
The City of Norwalk is encouraging all residents and businesses to be aware of the current Stage III Water Conservation Measures established by the Central Iowa Water Works regional water shortage plan. Stage III is implemented when water treatment capacity is significantly impacted by elevated nitrate levels in source water, creating challenges in maintaining drinking water standards while meeting peak demand.
Stage III conditions require mandatory conservation measures.
Effective immediately: LAWN WATERING IS PROHIBITED. This restriction applies to residential, commercial, and governmental properties throughout the City of Norwalk. Irrigation systems should be turned off, and lawn watering is prohibited until restrictions are lifted. Residents are encouraged to continue practicing wise water use by taking shorter showers, running only full loads of laundry and dishes, repairing leaks, and postponing non-essential water use whenever possible. Essential uses such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household needs remain safe and unrestricted. All water produced by Central Iowa Water Works continues to meet state and federal safe drinking water standards.
Restrictions will remain in place until water quality conditions improve and treatment capacity can safely meet demand.
Limited exceptions include:
Newly installed sod placed during the current calendar year.
Newly seeded lawns established within the previous 12 months.
Sports fields and golf courses operating under approved irrigation limitations necessary for plant health and safety.
Customers observed watering lawns in violation of the Water Use Plan may receive notice from the City. Continued violations may result in water service termination and applicable restoration fees as provided by City ordinance.
The City of Norwalk appreciates the community's continued efforts to conserve water and help protect our region's drinking water supply. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from Central Iowa Water Works and local municipal communications.
https://ciww.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AllStagesUpdated5.2026-1.jpg
For more information, visit: https://ciww.gov/water-use-plan-faq/
🚨The Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) Board of Trustees has initiated Stage 3 of its Water Use Plan, implementing a mandatory lawn watering ban for residential, business, and government customers across the region.
To help manage elevated nitrate concentrations in source waters and ensure adequate treatment capacity, the regional system is utilizing all available resources, including the Nitrate Removal Facility, Maffitt Reservoir, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells.
Visit: https://ciww.gov for more information on this notice and frequently asked questions.
All drinking water produced by Central Iowa Water Works meets all Safe Drinking Water Standards.
The following communities and agencies are affected by this alert: Ankeny, Clive, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, Waukee, Des Moines Water Works, Urbandale Water Utility, West Des Moines Water Works, Warren Water and portions of the Xenia Water District.
