Although Sioux Center remains in a Water Warning, requiring water conservation, areas of new construction can now be approved for new seeding and watering.
The City Council approved this exception to allow seeding of construction-related areas, so they can be established and to help prevent erosion in the months ahead. This exception includes areas around new homes and businesses and around excavation, such as for a new or repaired water or sewer line.
“There is something about getting grass growing that feels stewardly – it might take some water, but new construction getting grass cover feels like that has merit,” Mayor David Krahling said.
Those wishing to seed a new area by new construction or utility work must contact Sioux Center Water Department Head Harlan Kruid to allow for spacing out the addition of new seeding over time
The City’s replacement Well 14 is now operating, and it will likely reach full operation in a few weeks. Even with this additional water, Kruid and Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein recommended that the council continue the Water Warning. In a Water Warning, property owners are permitted to irrigate lawns once per week on a set calendar day based on property address.
“The community has really responded well to the Water Warning, and we are seeing the effect we needed,” Hulstein said. “Even with the Warning, the well levels in the east well field continue to drop to near record lows, and we are not connected to Lewis & Clark Regional Water System yet. We don’t want to overtax our water supply, which could impact fire protection and cause severe water system issues.”
Hulstein indicated that the City will notify violators of the Water Warning by letter, and if violations continue, the property owner could be subject to a penalty of up to half of their most recent monthly water bill.
Mayor Krahling thanked Harlan and the community for their diligence in conserving water during ongoing dry conditions.
“This is not ideal, this is not what we want, but we have to be wise and stewardly,” Krahling said.
Learn more about Sioux Center's Water Warning.