Storm Lake, (KICD)– The City of Storm Lake has enacted its water conservation plan due to the water treatment plant operating at near full capacity for multiple weeks. City Manager Keri Navratil Is asking for cooperation and conserving water whenever possible.

The plant’s production capacity is 5.3 million gallons a day and the demand recently peaked at above 5,000,000 gallons a day. Not including an adequate reserve in the event of a fire.

To meet the increasing needs the city has constructed a new well with another one planned for next year and construction is beginning on a new water tower that should be completed in 2025.

Right now, water that can be conserved will help ensure mandatory measures may be avoided.

The city provided some practical ideas to help conserve water. When watering your lawn 20 to 50% of water used in lawn and gardening is wasted due to evaporation and runoff.

The city recommends watering only when necessary and to do it earlier in the mornings or later in the evening.

The city also recommends not overfilling backyard Pools which can lead to water being splashed out and covering pools when not in use.

The city asked residents to keep washing vehicles to a minimum to only use their dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load and to reduce time in the shower the city’s full water conservation plan can be viewed at stormlake.org