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Johnston keeps stage-3 watering ban as nitrate levels fall; CIWW planning treatment expansions
Summary
City staff reported that Raccoon River nitrate concentrations have fallen from 15.46 mg/L on July 4 to 12.27 mg/L but remain above the 10 mg/L threshold required to lift a stage-3 lawn-watering ban. CIWW officials are planning expansions and new treatment plants.
City staff told the Johnston City Council that the stage-3 lawn-watering ban remains in effect while source-water nitrate concentrations gradually decline, and they outlined infrastructure work CIWW (Central Iowa Water Works) is planning.
City staff compared recent nitrate readings, saying the Raccoon River measured 15.46 milligrams per liter on July 4 and was 12.27 mg/L at the most recent test. Staff said lifting the stage-3 ban requires at least one source to be at 10 mg/L or less and to show a sustained downward trend. The council was told CIWW is working on capacity and production and that after-action discussions on longer-term facility expansion will follow the event.
Planned expansions: Officials reported a small expansion at Saylerville, a new water-treatment plant on the west side, and an expansion at Grimes are in planning or development stages; those projects will require funding decisions and rate-payer support. Staff said CIWW's current focus is meeting safe drinking-water standards during the event and that longer-term planning for additional nitrate treatment capacity will be addressed afterward.
Why it matters: Elevated nitrate levels can require water-use restrictions to protect drinking-water quality. The council and CIWW members are reviewing short-term operational steps and longer-term capital projects that could affect rates and regional water infrastructure.
Council engagement: Council members asked about CIWW's planning for expanded treatment capacity and timing; staff answered that after-action reviews and planning discussions will take place after the immediate event. Council members and staff noted CIWW's transition from being a customer to a governing participant in regional water decision-making, and that technical and board roles are being clarified.
