Regional Water Rural Water Association (RWRWA) has again implemented a Level RED conservation status after the water supply has again dipped to concerningly low levels. The announcement came on Saturday after RWRWA says the Avoca Treatment Plant (ATP) system saw a higher demand of water usage that exceeds the ability to produce water from the wellfield, with sources dropping to less than 60 percent capacity and drought conditions persisting. The ATP system affects rural customers in Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Harrison, and Northern Pottawattamie Counties, along with the communities of Avoca, Persia, Panama, Portsmouth, Westphalia, Kirkman, Tennant, Earling, Exira and Brayton. Consumers are asked to restrict water usage to necessities only, with prohibitions on watering lawns, washing vehicles, or filling swimming pools. Water usage will be monitored and fines may be issued as a result of violations. A pipeline project from Council Bluffs and a temporary booster station are almost completed and expected to be fully operational in the next week or so, which is expected to increase the water supply by roughly 25 percent. For additional questions, contact the Regional Water Office by calling 712-343-2413.
