The city of Altoona is implementing a complete lawn-watering ban following setbacks from emergency repairs at a water treatment plant.
Altoona began receiving water on July 14 from Des Moines Water Works to supplement the city’s water supply as repairs at one of Altoona’s three water treatment plants were underway.
While receiving water from Des Moines Water Works, the city was under the water restrictions in place for communities served by Central Iowa Water Works, including an altered watering schedule.
The repairs were expected to take upwards of two weeks, according to the city’s restriction announcement on Facebook on July 14. On Friday, July 17, however, the city implemented a complete watering ban for homes, businesses, and government properties following an “unexpected setback” while repairs were underway.
The city’s splash pads are also closed under the ban.
“One of the pumps broke down,” Adam Bowersox, a spokesperson for the city of Altoona, told the Register. During repairs being made Thursday night, crews had a “mechanical setback,” he said.
The complete lawn watering ban is “implemented solely to reduce water demand while emergency repairs are completed,” according to the city’s announcement. The city’s drinking water remains safe.
Repairs, even with the setback, are expected to be completed by next week, with crews working over the weekend to make repairs, Bowersox said.
“Hopefully we’re out of this a little bit quicker than what it could take,” Bowersox said.
Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Complete watering ban in place in Altoona after setback during repairs
Reporting by Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
