City of Polk City

06/16/2026

06/12/2026

06/09/2026

Read more here: https://ciww.gov/why-is-ciww-implementing-a-lawn-watering-ban/

This year, Central Iowa is experiencing unusually high nitrate concentrations in all three primary sources of water used to produce drinking water at the Fleur Drive water treatment plant: the Raccoon River, Des Moines River, and Infiltration Gallery (a perforated pipeline under Water Works Park used to collect and naturally filter water from the Raccoon River).

When nitrate concentrations increase, drinking water treatment plants must reduce production or utilize additional treatment processes to continue meeting all state and federal drinking water standards. As a result, the regional system’s ability to produce drinking water is significantly reduced precisely when summer demand for water is increasing.

06/08/2026

Have questions about the lawn watering ban?

🌸Can I water my flowers? ✅Yes!
🔎Does my water meet Safe Drinking Water Standards? ✅ Yes!
🏡Can I water my new trees? ✅Yes!
❓Who do I call for questions about service to my house? 🔎Visit www.ciww.gov to read the FAQs and find out!

❌Can businesses, residents, and government agencies water their lawns? ❌ No! Lawn watering can account for as much as 40% of system demand. Reducing demand is necessary to preserve the region’s drinking water supply as water treatment facilities continue to manage elevated nitrate levels in source waters.

www.ciww.gov

06/08/2026

🚨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.

06/05/2026

🚨 Summer Kickoff is TOMORROW! 🚨

Join us Friday from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Polk City Town Square for a fun-filled evening with live music, refreshments, community partners, and raffle prizes for all ages! 🎶🎟️🍕

Bring the family, invite your friends, and help us spread the word by sharing this post. We can’t wait to kick off summer with our amazing community.

See you there! ☀️👮‍♂️

06/04/2026

💧 Why is Central Iowa Water Works asking customers to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use by 50%?

Right now, our regional water system is operating under significant stress.

To continue providing safe, reliable drinking water, CIWW has been:
🔹 Operating the Nitrate Removal Facility since January 6, 2026.
🔹 Withdrawing water from Maffitt Reservoir since January 19, a backup source typically reserved until Summer (if needed at all)
🔹 Using water stored in our Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells
🔹 Utilizing all seven water treatment plants

These resources are important tools that help us maintain water quality and meet customer demand, but they are not unlimited.

💡Outdoor irrigation can account for 30–40% of total drinking water use during the spring and summer.

‼️Small changes - like skipping a watering day or watering only where needed - can have an immediate impact on regional water demand.

‼️By voluntarily reducing outdoor water use by 50%, we can help preserve these critical water supplies, maintain reliable service, and ensure safe drinking water remains available throughout the summer.

Every gallon saved today helps protect our water supply for tomorrow.

Learn more about the Water Use Plan and ways to conserve water at www.ciww.gov.

Learn about lawn health and how much water your lawn needs from the Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/watering-home-lawns

06/03/2026

Tomorrow is the big day!

On Thursday, June 4th, the City’s Contractor plans to shift to Stage 3 of the roundabout project. This shift will include moving North-South traffic to the western portion of the intersection, removal of the eastern portion of the intersection, and closure of the east leg of the project intersection. There will be a signed detour routing through traffic around the intersection via NW 44th Street, NW 126th Avenue, and N. 3rd Street. Attached is the detour plan for your review and reference.

05/29/2026

Thank you to our top commercial and residential irrigators for stepping up and supporting the voluntary 50% reduction in outdoor water use. Lawn watering is the largest use of water during the summer months, accounting for 30 to 40% of the water produced each day.

While the Stage II Water Alert issued by Central Iowa Water Works on Wednesday is voluntary, we thank you for answering our request to conserve water by reducing outdoor watering.

City of Des Moines public golf courses are reducing irrigation to only when and where it is needed, and private courses have been asked to minimize watering while maintaining plant health and safe playing conditions.

City of Des Moines splash pad hours have been reduced. You can find updated schedules on the Des Moines Parks and Recreation social media page.

Every effort helps conserve water for our community. Thank you for doing your part.

05/27/2026

Stage II Water Alert- Together by cutting back we can avoid the same situation we ran into last year. Please reduce your use by 50%!

May 27, 2026

‼️Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) has issued a Stage II “Water Alert,” which asks residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use by 50 percent.

What You Can Do to Conserve Water:
✅Reduce lawn watering by half and only water when needed
✅Limit lawn watering to one or two days per week.
✅Water during early morning hours to reduce evaporation
✅Avoid watering shaded areas
✅Use a shutoff nozzle when washing vehicles
✅Don’t hose off driveways or walkways
✅Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or broken sprinkler heads
Check sprinkler heads for overspray – avoid shooting water onto sidewalks or driveways

Find additional tips for conserving water in the comments ⬇️