Central Iowa Water Works says its first-ever ban on lawn watering is cutting demand and easing worries that its utilities — hampered by high levels of health-endangering nitrates in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers — will be able to meet residents' and businesses' essential water needs and allow them to avoid more drastic measures. The ban has reduced water demand by 30%, helping the utility avoid violating federal drinking water standards. #Iowa #iowawater #nitrates #waterquality #drinkwater