Residents in several Iowa cities have been asked to conserve water because of this summer’s drought and it’s no different for rural water systems. Greg Huff, CEO of the Iowa Rural Water Association, says rural systems have been reporting record water use this summer.
“It’s a combination of heat and lack of precipitation. So, a lot of livestock producers spray down animals and when it’s hotter, the animals are consuming more water as well,” Huff says. Des Moines and Coralville are among the cities that have asked residents to voluntarily reduce water use.
Huff says some rural systems experienced problems during the hottest, driest days in late July. “But overall, all systems are reporting a higher level (of water use), so each one is addressing it as they can and ensuring that the water’s getting out there,” Huff said. He notes the situation has recently improved as the heat has moderated.