Central Iowa landscaping businesses adapt to lawn watering ban
Landscaping businesses say they will face some challenges under a new mandatory lawn watering ban for Central Iowa Water Works customers.
Officials on Thursday imposed a ban on lawn watering. The ban is effective immediately and in place until further notice for the 600,000 residential and commercial customers the regional water authority serves.
"When nitrate becomes high in the river like it is today, this is the highest we've seen it since 2013, " Tami Madsen, executive director of CIWW, said. "That is a serious issue, so lawn watering is the first thing to go."
It's the latest and most drastic water reduction strategy officials have put in place to avoid violating the Environmental Protection Agency standard limit on nitrates in our water.
Ryan Burkett, owner of Rain King, said he was a bit "surprised" by the announcement. His crews were out Thursday afternoon installing a full irrigation system for a big commercial client. He said they are able to operate business as normal, but testing will have to wait.
"The testing will have to be done once the ban is lifted, but it will not stop us from being able to install everything in the ground," he said.
Cody Knox, owner of Knox Lawnscapes LLC, said he didn't expect the full ban either. He said his work could be cut in half.
"Five days' worth of work could easily go to two and a half, three days," he said. "We're going to have to cut a little taller, and people are going to see that."
The water works' nitrate removal facility has been running since April 28. Recent tests of water sources show nitrate levels are close to surpassing the allowable amount. CIWW tests multiple samples each day and has a lab onsite.
“We are pulling all levers at our treatment facilities and nitrate removal processes to prevent a violation,” Madsen said. “Now we need full cooperation from the public. This is no longer a voluntary request.”
CIWW officials on May 30 asked customers to voluntarily reduce lawn watering by 25%, then, on Wednesday, asked for a 50% reduction.