In what has essentially become a yearly summer norm for Adel residents, the City’s Water Works Department has instituted a “Water Watch” effective immediately.

The weather has been hot and dry for weeks and is expected to continue, so the first stage of Adel’s water conservation plan has officially been enacted. Since the plan was created in 2017, Adel has issued a water watch each summer when the water demand increases, and it’s occasionally advanced to the next stage which is a “Water Warning.” The watch is a voluntary initiative for residents, and they are asked to limit outside watering during times of extreme heat. In particular, citizens are encouraged to water their lawns between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., as evaporation greatly increases water use during the warmer daytime hours.

If the watch stage is unsuccessful or drought conditions worsen, the City could then issue a warning, where water conservation is no longer voluntary and those in violation of it could be fined. As a reminder, the Adel water conservation plan is only for residents hooked into the City’s water supply. Water watches and warnings do not apply to Xenia Rural Water customers. Anyone with questions can reach out to Adel City Hall at 515-993-4525.