Des Moines Water Works, the regional water utility serving DSM and surrounding cities, asks customers to follow voluntary odd-even outdoor watering schedules during summer peak demand and may impose mandatory restrictions during drought emergencies.
DSM Water Works (DMWW) is a separate utility, not a city department, governed by an independent board. During typical summers, DMWW publishes voluntary lawn watering guidelines: water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation, alternate odd-even days by address, and skip watering after rainfall. Mandatory drought-stage restrictions may be activated by board declaration limiting irrigation days, prohibiting daytime watering, or banning car washing. Violations during mandatory stages can trigger fines and service surcharges.
Voluntary stage: none. Mandatory drought stages: civil penalties of $100-$500 plus possible utility surcharges and service shutoff for repeat offenders.
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See how Des Moines's lawn watering restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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