News : Belle Plaine water has been as clear as mud

Due to the drought conditions, the City of Belle Plaine has been under water restrictions for the last month or so. Because of the look and smell of the water, citizens had been restricting its use even more. 

The city had also had to restrict outdoor water use, because of the shortage of water in the community. While the water looks unappetizing, the city assured residents that the water is safe to drink. 

The city passed a resolution stating that "due to the continued drought conditions the City's shallow wells have remained below what City Staff consider a comfortable level." The city had been running on well #6, which is rarely used.

A few weeks ago, the Benton County Supervisors had also drafted a letter to Congressman Ashley Hinson which the city hopes will help to bring assistance to the community. 

Water levels had dropped significantly in the town. With only 2,300 residents, the city is working to find grants and assistance to alleviate the problem. The city has received $500,000 in grants to help rebuild its wetland to help retain water in the area. 

Fortunately, with the much-needed rain, the city is able to publish the following notice. 

'Hydrant Flushing and water updates:

With the rains we've received earlier in the month, the wellfield area is recharging the aquifer nicely. We are still monitoring our water supply closely and will be flushing areas around town starting next week. Flushing will remove sediment that causes discolored water. While we are flushing sediment will be stirred up and we recommend checking water at the cold tap every time before doing laundry. The system has not been flushed out for a while due to the drought so it will take time. Flushing will be done slowly as to minimize wasted water. If the water table rebounds quickly over the next two weeks the council will review the need for continuing water restrictions. As we flush the system we will be removing water from well 6 from the blend. It would be a good idea to alert your plumber or whomever calibrates any water conditioning equipment you may have. Well 6 will be off line."
A map created by the U.S. Drought Monitor, shows Belle Plaine, the black dot, and where it was in the severe drought conditions.
The city had also received a $250,000 grant at the end of April from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. in total, this agency will be providing up to 50% of the cost for 14 projects statewide from the state's Water Quality Initiative and from federal pandemic relief money. The total will run the program $3.6 million It is expected that the project will help to improve the water quality of the stormwater runoff from approximately 385 acres of rural and urban areas, and will benefit the recharge zone of the well field as well as provide wildlife habitat.

Last November, Belle Plaine also received another $250,000 from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to rebuild wetlands.

Belle Plaine is also working with an engineering firm to develop a plan that could result in the city drilling more shallow wells on the northwest side of the before rebuilding the surrounding wetland. It is unclear how soon the problem can be solved but it could run into 2026.