Newton staff says recent rain averts immediate water warning; city remains in water watch

City water staff told commissioners the city remains in a formal water watch but does not need to declare a water warning at this time because recent rains raised groundwater levels by roughly one foot in monitored wells.

Background and triggers: Staff said the city has been operating in a water watch since September 2023 after groundwater fell below a local trigger. Under the city’s conservation plan a water warning would be triggered if groundwater levels fall 10 feet below a 10-year running seasonal average. Staff reported readings on May 19 at 9.9 feet below that benchmark, prompting concern the city would need to move to a warning; subsequent rainfall increased measured levels.

What a warning or emergency would mean: Staff described three stages — water watch (heightened messaging and outreach), water warning (voluntary conservation measures intended to reduce peak demand by about 20% and overall consumption by 10%), and water emergency (mandatory restrictions intended to reduce demand by 50% and weekly consumption by 25%). Officials emphasized that a water emergency would trigger enforcement measures and prohibitions on wasteful uses.

Governor’s declaration: Staff noted the governor declared a water emergency for parts of Harvey County on May 13; staff said Newton was not in that emergency under the city’s criteria but that the declaration covered other parts of the county.

Commission response and next steps: Commissioners and staff discussed additional public education and agreed to keep water conditions on the agenda for future updates. Staff said they would present a brief slide or public-education update next time conditions warrant.