Water towers filling in Ames, Iowa, but residents urged to conserve as water crisis persists

Ames water towers filling, but crisis persists

AMES, Iowa — Officials in Ames, Iowa, say the city’s water towers have enough water to start flushing the system, but residents still must conserve so the city can return to normal after historic flooding.

Mayor Ann Campbell said Friday the water emergency persists and residents should not expect drinkable tap water until early next week.

Ames made progress in restoring the water system after a terse statement from officials on Thursday that efforts to conserve were falling short.

Ames, home to Iowa State University, shut down its water system Wednesday because of eight water main breaks. A boil alert remains in effect, and bottled water is available.