(Avoca) The Regional Water Rural Water Association announced that the drinking water boil advisory for their system, which went into effect on May 14, 2025, has been lifted effective immediately. This strictly applies to the direct customers of Regional Water.
The boil advisory remains in effect for those living within the city limits of Brayton, Exira, Earling, Panama, and Portsmouth while water samples continue to be collected and analyzed, with an estimated completion date of Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
To lift a boil advisory, two sets of negative bacteria samples must be obtained. Regional Water has completed its two sets of bacteria samples for their system, and both are negative.
Regional Water’s water towers across the system have maintained pressure throughout the last week. Customers’ conservation practices and measures have proven helpful in filling the water towers.
While the water towers are currently in good standing, residents are asked to continue to be mindful of water conservation and use. Even with the anticipated boil advisory being lifted later this week, drought conditions continue to impact southwest Iowa. Until the temporary booster station is in place and running, water availability remains a concern.
The completion of the temporary booster pump between the region and Council Bluffs was delayed due to wet weather last week. However, in the last few days the area was dry enough to continue pipeline construction and testing; barring any unforeseen circumstances, Regional Water hopes the connection between Council Bluffs and Regional Water’s system will be completed around June 11.
Residents should be aware that if water use goes beyond the capacity of the system, the towers could lose pressure. If the towers lose pressure below 20 PSI, a boil advisory will go into effect again. The connection with the City of Council Bluffs will hopefully prevent overuse from happening. However, until that connection is complete, residents can help limit water use:
Limit (or avoid) watering or irrigation of lawns.
Limit (or avoid) washing vehicles, except at commercial establishments that provide that service as their only means of income. In these cases, hours of use will be restricted to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
No water shall be used to fill private swimming pools, children’s wading pools, or similar articles.
No water shall be used to clean streets, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
Large volume water users, including industries, motels, hotels, eating establishments, and livestock confinements are requested to scale back services and/or production.
Schools are strongly urged to cancel physical education activities and inter-scholastic competitions that require showers or attract crowds and take other actions to reduce water consumption.
Regional Water wants to thank its customers for their patience and perseverance through the last several months. “We know it has not been easy. Please know, Regional Water continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to ensure safe drinking water is delivered to its customers.”
