Volunteers hand out water to Ames community

Micaela Cashman

Volunteers from Sigma Kappa sorority worked to pass out gallons and bottles of water to Ames residents Wednesday in the southwest corner of Iowa State’s Lot 61.

Sigma Kappa members were recruited by Greek Services, which worked with the ISU Police to coordinate the volunteering.

Lieutenant Carrie Jacobs of ISU Police said water will be distributed from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day until it no longer is necessary.

Distribution centers are scattered throughout the Ames community at North Grand Walmart, Sam’s Club on Airport Road, McFarland Clinic West next to West Hy-Vee and Lot 61 by Wallace Hall.

Jacobs said the state of Iowa and multiple Midwestern agencies are donating water to Ames.

Residents in Ames and the ISU community also are donating to the city by taking the time to volunteer with sandbagging and handing out water.

“More and more people are coming forward to help,” Jacobs said.

Along with the greek system, the football team, religious groups and Ames residents are stepping up to help their community.

While Jacobs said she does not foresee the water supply running out before the tap water is drinkable again, she does warn residents to conserve water.

She said the best way to save water is to refrain from taking long showers and flushing the toilet after every use, buying disposable dishes and wait to wash dishes or clothes until the water supply is restored.