Level RED Drinking Water Advisory for Regional Water Rural Water Association Customers

Posted May 14, 2025
Posted by Emergency Management and Public Relations

Pottawattamie County, Iowa - Due to the declining watershed in their wellfield and sustained water usage, Regional Water Rural Water Association (RWRWA) announced that effective Wednesday, May 14, they are implementing a "Level RED" advisory for customers and communities in their Avoca Treatment Plant (ATP) System. This is the highest level of Mandatory Water Use Restrictions within the Emergency Water Conservation Plan. 

The Level RED restrictions affect the Avoca Treatment Plant System which includes members and customers of Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Harrison, and Northern Pottawattamie Counties. The advisory was put into place due to the continued drought conditions and below-average rainfall, water sources operating at less than 60% capacity, and demand exceeding sustainable supply levels. 

Effective immediately, the following restrictions are in place: 

1. No outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, or landscapes. 
2. No washing of vehicles, driveways, sidewalks, or buildings. 
3. No filling or refilling of swimming pools, hot tubs, or ornamental fountains. 
4. Restaurants may only serve water upon request. 
5. Lodging facilities must offer guests the option to reuse linens and towels. 
6. All leaks must be repaired within 48 hours of detection. 
7. Water use for construction purposes is restricted to essential activities only. 

The restrictions will be enforced in the following ways:

• Water usage will be monitored. 
• Violations may result in fines or service restrictions. 

Ways you can help if you are within the impacted area:

• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. 
• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only. 
• Use water-efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Municipal and community events should strongly consider the use of portable latrines for events. 

In addition to the Level RED advisory, the system also remains under a boil advisory. For more information, please contact the Regional Water Office at 712-343-2413.