So, like, water is kind of a big deal, right? I mean, we need it to, like, survive and stuff. But apparently, things aren’t looking so great for the folks in southwestern Iowa. For the past five years, they’ve been dealing with near-drought conditions, and it’s really taking a toll on their water supply. The Regional Water Rural Water Association in Avoca is feeling the heat, so to speak, and they’ve had to put some serious restrictions in place.
Who’s in Charge Here?
Tom Kallman, the General Manager over at Regional Water, is the one calling the shots. He’s saying that their wells are running pretty dry thanks to the drought and all the water they have to pump out to keep up with demand. They’re pulling out 740 gallons a minute from the wells, which is a whole 120 gallons less than what they were doing this time last year. And it’s not because the wells are broken or anything. Nope, the issue is simply that there’s just not enough water to go around.
What’s the Deal with the Restrictions?
So, because of this whole water shortage situation, they’ve had to slap on some “Level Red” water restrictions. That means people can only use water for essential stuff – you know, things like drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. No more filling up pools, washing cars, or watering lawns. And restaurants better not be handing out water unless someone asks for it. They’ve been in this conservation mode for nearly three years now, and things are getting pretty serious.
The Future Looks Grim
Kallman’s not too optimistic about the future, though. He’s saying they’re not going to be able to squeeze any more water out of the same wells. They’ve got some plans in the works to connect with Council Bluffs and get more water that way, but it’s still a ways off. They’ve tried tapping into other aquifers, but no luck so far. The Jordan Aquifer is super deep, like 3,000 feet deep, and it would cost a pretty penny to drill down that far. They’re basically praying for rain at this point, hoping that it’ll come and save the day. Residents better start spreading the word about water rationing, because some folks don’t seem to be getting the memo. Here’s hoping that rain in the forecast actually shows up and gives these guys a break.
