Central Iowa Water Works Implements Lawn-Watering Ban Amid High Nitrate Levels to Support SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Background and Current Situation

Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) has imposed an unprecedented lawn-watering ban since June 12 to address soaring nitrate levels in source water, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which emphasizes ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Usage has decreased by 30% since the ban was implemented, helping to preserve the capacity to treat water safely.

• The ban will remain until nitrate levels consistently fall below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standard of 10 milligrams per liter.
• CIWW Executive Director Tami Madsen emphasized that all water produced continues to meet safe drinking water standards.

Community Engagement and Water Use Recommendations

CIWW encourages metro residents to enjoy water-based recreational activities responsibly during the hot Fourth of July weekend, promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by ensuring safe water access while managing demand.

1. Residents are invited to use water for activities such as slip-and-slides, kiddie pools, and hoses.
2. Residents are urged to balance recreational use with restraint to reduce water demand and support effective treatment systems.

Challenges of Nitrate Pollution and Treatment

The nitrate contamination primarily originates from agricultural runoff, including manure and chemical fertilizers, impacting water quality and public health, which relates to SDG 15: Life on Land, by addressing sustainable agriculture and ecosystem protection.

• High nitrate levels are linked to health risks such as blue baby syndrome and certain cancers.
• Des Moines Water Works has operated its nitrate removal system for over 50 days, straining treatment capacity.
• Summer lawn watering can increase water demand by up to 40%, exacerbating treatment challenges.

Water Use Adjustments and Infrastructure Responses

In response to the ban, the city of Des Moines closed 17 splash pads but later reopened them with limited hours after determining their water use is minimal (less than 2% of system capacity), supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by balancing public amenities with resource management.

• Swimming pools and splash pools remain open.
• The Des Moines Fire Department plans a slip-and-slide event on July 4 with water use considerations.

Water Quality Monitoring and Data

As of July 1, water demand remains approximately 30% below pre-ban levels, enabling CIWW to maintain treated water within regulatory limits despite rising nitrate concentrations in source rivers, advancing SDG 6 targets.

• Nitrate levels in the Raccoon River reached 15.93 mg/L after recent rainfall dilution.
• Nitrate levels in the Des Moines River measured 12.28 mg/L.
• Treated water nitrate levels at Fleur Drive and McMullen plants were 7.51 mg/L and 7.25 mg/L, respectively.

Polk County Watershed Assessment Highlights Nitrate Pollution Impact

Assessment Findings and Recommendations

Polk County released a watershed assessment confirming that the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers frequently exceed health-based nitrate standards, posing risks to human health and increasing water treatment complexity. This aligns with SDG 3 and SDG 6 by highlighting the need for improved water quality management.

• The report calls for watershed-scale conservation measures to reduce nitrate pollution at its source.
• It identifies the rivers as among the highest nitrate-contaminated in the United States.

CIWW Response and Future Plans

Executive Director Tami Madsen acknowledged the scientific community’s involvement and emphasized CIWW’s commitment to providing safe drinking water to over 600,000 users, reinforcing SDG 6’s focus on universal access to safe water.

1. Continuation of the lawn-watering ban is critical, especially during hot, dry periods.
2. Exit from the ban requires a sustained downward trend in nitrate levels below 10 mg/L.
3. CIWW is considering a phased approach to lifting restrictions but has not finalized details.

Conclusion

The ongoing efforts by Central Iowa Water Works to manage nitrate pollution through demand reduction and treatment infrastructure are integral to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Continued community cooperation and watershed-scale conservation are essential to ensure safe, sustainable water resources for the region.

Report compiled by Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register. Contact: nelhajj@gannett.com

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water quality issues, nitrate pollution, and the provision of safe drinking water.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Concerns about nitrate levels linked to health risks such as blue baby syndrome and cancer.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Water usage reduction through lawn-watering bans and conservation efforts.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Watershed-scale conservation measures to reduce nitrate pollution from agricultural runoff.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 6.1 and 6.3:
   • Nitrate concentration levels in source and treated water (measured in milligrams per liter).
   • Compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum nitrate level of 10 mg/L.
   • Water usage reduction percentage (e.g., 30% decrease in demand following watering ban).
2. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Incidence rates of nitrate-related health conditions such as blue baby syndrome and cancers (implied).
3. Indicator for SDG 12.2:
   • Reduction in water demand during peak usage periods (e.g., summer lawn watering).
4. Indicator for SDG 15.1:
   • Assessment reports on watershed nitrate pollution levels and implementation of conservation measures.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: desmoinesregister.com