:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/JJQAZVQIONDKJECWJG3NQ2VFSQ.png)
A dry winter across the Midwest has contributed to widening drought concerns.
Osceola saw less than two tenths of an inch of precipitation in February, more than an inch below normal for the month. The entire state received almost an inch less than average, labeling large portions of Iowa as in D1, moderate drought, per the U.S. Drought Monitor Map for Iowa, with some regions already facing severe drought conditions.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/J3O2SITJ2NAV3KKSIICUA65HVI.png)
As we transition into spring and as temperatures rise, dry conditions across Iowa are expected to expand and worsen, evaporation will increase, and water use will begin to climb as residents start spending more time outside working on lawns and gardens. West Lake, the main water source for Osceola, is already drawing at a loss, and considering the projected increase in demand, it’s important to start saving water.
On 3/26/26, the most current West Lake level reading was 1069.68 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) continuing the downward progression seen since the lake was full in August of 2025. While West Lake isn’t at the same low level of 1064.92 MSL that we saw on this date in 2024, current data shows a steady decline as we move into higher temperatures with no guarantee of precipitation soon.
“West Lake is still dropping week after week, so we need to start being mindful of water usage,” said Brandon Patterson, Osceola Water Works Superintendent. “With dry conditions getting worse by the week, conservation steps now can help us be proactive and stay ahead of the drought rather than reactive.”
There are simple steps to take now that can make a meaningful difference when the entire community puts them into practice:
- fixing leaks
- running full loads of laundry
- keeping unnecessary outdoor watering to a minimum
For other conservation suggestions or more information about local drought conditions, please contact Brandon Patterson, Water Superintendent at the Osceola Water Works, 208 W Jefferson St, Osceola, IA 50213, by phone at (641) 342-1435, or via email at osceolawater2@windstream.net.