The Regional Water Rural Water Association (RWRWA) wants to remind rural Audubon residents and those in the communities of Exira and Brayton of the Level Yellow Restriction currently in effect to preserve water. This warning is the second-highest alert for the association’s efforts to conserve water during drought. General Manager Tom Kallman has stated there has been a rapid increase in water usage since lifting the restrictions back in December of 2023, needing to have the alert reissued on Jan. 26. He says, “The first three months of 2024 have seen rainfall totals only half of the seasonal averages. The result is that the wellfield is nearly 6” below last year’s levels, and we haven’t even gotten through Spring yet. We will not be able to provide water for our customers’ needs this Summer if we don’t conserve now.” If unable to save more water for future use, the RWRW will be forced to ration the water, which has never been done before. Those customers who are using the rural water system are asked to take reduction measures like avoiding using water at night between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., examining plumbing for leaks, reducing shower time, only doing full loads of laundry and dishes, and large volume users to conduct water usage audits to minimize water use accordingly. Those with questions or need more information can visit Regional Water’s website, rwrwa.org, or contact the office at 712-343-2413. The other counties affected are Shelby, Cass, Harrison, and Northern Pottawattamie and communities of Avoca, Portsmouth, Westphalia, Kirkman, Tennant, Panama, Earling, and Persia.
