Des Moines Water Works, which provides water service to the Des Moines metropolitan area, implements comprehensive water management practices to ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply. These practices include water conservation, source water protection, and infrastructure maintenance.
Des Moines Water Works has a long history of water management innovation. In 1886, the utility constructed the first public water treatment plant west of the Mississippi River. Today, Des Moines Water Works operates one of the most advanced water treatment plants in the country, which removes harmful contaminants and ensures that the water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.
Des Moines Water Works is also a leader in water conservation. The utility offers a variety of programs to help customers reduce their water use, including rebates for water-efficient appliances and free water audits. Des Moines Water Works has also partnered with local businesses and organizations to promote water conservation. As a result of these efforts, Des Moines has one of the lowest per capita water use rates in the country.
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Des Moines Water Works is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water service to the Des Moines metropolitan area. The utility's water management practices are essential to achieving this goal.
Des Moines Water Management
Des Moines Water Works, which provides water service to the Des Moines metropolitan area, implements comprehensive water management practices to ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply. These practices include water conservation, source water protection, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Water conservation: Des Moines Water Works offers a variety of programs to help customers reduce their water use, including rebates for water-efficient appliances and free water audits.
- Source water protection: Des Moines Water Works works to protect the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which are the sources of the city's drinking water. The utility has implemented a number of programs to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
- Infrastructure maintenance: Des Moines Water Works maintains a network of water mains, pumping stations, and treatment plants to ensure a reliable water supply. The utility invests heavily in infrastructure upgrades to improve the efficiency and safety of the water system.
- Water quality: Des Moines Water Works operates one of the most advanced water treatment plants in the country, which removes harmful contaminants and ensures that the water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.
- Customer service: Des Moines Water Works is committed to providing excellent customer service. The utility offers a variety of programs to help customers with their water bills, including payment plans and financial assistance.
- Sustainability: Des Moines Water Works is committed to sustainability. The utility has implemented a number of programs to reduce its environmental impact, including energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects.
These six key aspects of Des Moines Water Management are essential to ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Des Moines Water Works is a leader in water management, and its practices are a model for other utilities across the country.
1. Water conservation
Water conservation is an important part of Des Moines Water Works' overall water management strategy. The utility offers a variety of programs to help customers reduce their water use, including rebates for water-efficient appliances and free water audits. These programs have been successful in reducing water use in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
For example, Des Moines Water Works offers a rebate of up to $100 for the purchase of a new water-efficient toilet. The utility also offers free water audits to help customers identify ways to reduce their water use. These programs have been shown to be effective in reducing water use. A study by the American Water Works Association found that water audits can reduce water use by up to 20%.
Water conservation is an important part of Des Moines Water Works' overall water management strategy. The utility's water conservation programs have been successful in reducing water use in the Des Moines metropolitan area. These programs are an important part of ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the future.
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2. Source water protection
Source water protection is an important part of Des Moines Water Works' overall water management strategy. The Raccoon and Des Moines rivers are the sources of the city's drinking water, so it is essential to protect these rivers from pollution. Des Moines Water Works has implemented a number of programs to reduce pollution and improve water quality, including:
- Riparian buffer strips: Riparian buffer strips are planted areas of vegetation along the banks of rivers and streams. These buffers help to reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife. Des Moines Water Works has planted over 1,000 acres of riparian buffer strips along the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers.
- Conservation easements: Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict the use of land in order to protect water quality. Des Moines Water Works has purchased conservation easements on over 10,000 acres of land along the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers.
- Water quality monitoring: Des Moines Water Works monitors the water quality of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers on a regular basis. This monitoring helps the utility to identify and address potential sources of pollution.
- Public education: Des Moines Water Works provides public education programs to teach people about the importance of protecting water quality. These programs include school presentations, workshops, and tours of the utility's water treatment plant.
These are just a few of the programs that Des Moines Water Works has implemented to protect the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. These programs are an important part of ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the Des Moines metropolitan area.
3. Infrastructure maintenance
Infrastructure maintenance is a critical component of Des Moines Water Management. A reliable water supply depends on a well-maintained network of water mains, pumping stations, and treatment plants. Des Moines Water Works invests heavily in infrastructure upgrades to improve the efficiency and safety of the water system.
For example, in 2020, Des Moines Water Works completed a major upgrade to its water treatment plant. The upgrade included the installation of new filters and other equipment to improve the plant's ability to remove harmful contaminants from the water. The upgrade also included the construction of a new backup power system to ensure that the plant can continue to operate in the event of a power outage.
Infrastructure maintenance is an essential part of ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the Des Moines metropolitan area. Des Moines Water Works is committed to investing in infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the water system continues to meet the needs of the community.
Here are some of the benefits of infrastructure maintenance:
- Improved water quality
- Reduced water loss
- Increased energy efficiency
- Improved public health
- Increased economic development
Infrastructure maintenance is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply. Des Moines Water Works is committed to investing in infrastructure maintenance to ensure that the water system continues to meet the needs of the community.
4. Water quality
Des Moines Water Works' commitment to water quality is a cornerstone of its water management strategy. The utility's advanced water treatment plant removes harmful contaminants and ensures that the water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. This is essential for protecting public health and ensuring that the water is safe to drink.
- Advanced water treatment technology: Des Moines Water Works' water treatment plant uses state-of-the-art technology to remove harmful contaminants from the water. This technology includes granular activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection. These processes are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
- Stringent water quality monitoring: Des Moines Water Works monitors the water quality of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers on a regular basis. This monitoring helps the utility to identify and address potential sources of pollution. The utility also conducts regular testing of the treated water to ensure that it meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
- Public education and outreach: Des Moines Water Works provides public education programs to teach people about the importance of water quality and how to protect it. These programs include school presentations, workshops, and tours of the utility's water treatment plant. The utility also provides information on water quality on its website and through social media.
Des Moines Water Works' commitment to water quality is evident in the high quality of the water that it provides to its customers. The utility's water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, and it is safe to drink. Des Moines Water Works is committed to continuing to provide high-quality water to its customers for many years to come.
5. Customer service
Excellent customer service is an integral aspect of Des Moines Water Management. The utility recognizes that its customers are its most valuable asset, and it is committed to providing them with the highest level of service possible. This commitment is reflected in the various programs and initiatives that Des Moines Water Works has implemented to assist customers with their water bills, including payment plans and financial assistance.
- Payment plans: Des Moines Water Works offers a variety of payment plans to help customers manage their water bills. These plans allow customers to spread out their payments over a longer period of time, making it easier to budget for their water usage.
- Financial assistance: Des Moines Water Works also offers financial assistance to customers who are struggling to pay their water bills. This assistance can come in the form of reduced rates, payment plans, or even grants.
These programs and initiatives are just one way that Des Moines Water Works is demonstrating its commitment to customer service. The utility is constantly looking for ways to improve its service and meet the needs of its customers. As a result of this commitment, Des Moines Water Works has been recognized for its excellent customer service by a number of organizations, including the American Water Works Association and the Iowa Utilities Board.
6. Sustainability
Sustainability is an essential component of Des Moines Water Management. The utility recognizes that it has a responsibility to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. As such, Des Moines Water Works has implemented a number of programs to reduce its environmental impact, including energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects.
- Energy efficiency: Des Moines Water Works has implemented a number of energy efficiency measures at its water treatment plant and other facilities. These measures have reduced the utility's energy consumption by over 10%.
- Renewable energy: Des Moines Water Works is also committed to using renewable energy sources to power its operations. The utility has installed solar panels at its water treatment plant and is exploring other renewable energy options.
- Water conservation: Des Moines Water Works is also committed to water conservation. The utility offers a variety of programs to help customers reduce their water use, including rebates for water-efficient appliances and free water audits.
- Environmental stewardship: Des Moines Water Works is committed to being a good environmental steward. The utility has implemented a number of programs to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. For example, the utility has planted over 1,000 acres of riparian buffer strips along the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers.
These are just a few of the ways that Des Moines Water Works is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. The utility is constantly looking for ways to improve its environmental performance and reduce its impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines Water Management
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Des Moines Water Management.
Question 1: What is Des Moines Water Works doing to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the future?
Answer: Des Moines Water Works is implementing a number of strategies to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the future. These strategies include:
- Investing in infrastructure upgrades to improve the efficiency and safety of the water system
- Implementing water conservation programs to reduce water use
- Protecting source water quality through riparian buffer strips, conservation easements, and water quality monitoring
- Exploring renewable energy options to power operations
Question 2: What is Des Moines Water Works doing to protect water quality?
Answer: Des Moines Water Works is committed to protecting water quality through a number of programs and initiatives, including:
- Operating one of the most advanced water treatment plants in the country
- Implementing riparian buffer strips and conservation easements to protect source water
- Conducting regular water quality monitoring
- Providing public education and outreach programs on water quality
Question 3: How can I reduce my water use?
Answer: There are a number of ways to reduce your water use, including:
- Fixing leaky faucets and toilets
- Watering your lawn less often
- Taking shorter showers
- Using water-efficient appliances
Question 4: What is Des Moines Water Works doing to be more sustainable?
Answer: Des Moines Water Works is committed to sustainability through a number of initiatives, including:
- Implementing energy efficiency measures
- Exploring renewable energy options
- Promoting water conservation
- Protecting water quality and wildlife habitat
Question 5: How can I get help paying my water bill?
Answer: Des Moines Water Works offers a number of programs to help customers pay their water bills, including:
- Payment plans
- Financial assistance
Question 6: How can I get involved in water conservation efforts?
Answer: There are a number of ways to get involved in water conservation efforts, including:
- Participating in water conservation programs
- Educating yourself and others about water conservation
- Volunteering with water conservation organizations
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. For more information, please visit the Des Moines Water Works website.
Des Moines Water Management Tips
Des Moines Water Works is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water service to the Des Moines metropolitan area. The following tips can help you conserve water, protect water quality, and reduce your water bill:
Tip 1: Fix leaky faucets and toilets
A leaky faucet can waste up to 10 gallons of water per day. A leaky toilet can waste even more. Fixing leaks is a simple and inexpensive way to save water and money.
Tip 2: Water your lawn less often
Overwatering your lawn can waste a lot of water. During the summer months, water your lawn only when it needs it. You can tell if your lawn needs water by stepping on it. If the grass springs back, it doesn't need to be watered.
Tip 3: Take shorter showers
The average shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Taking shorter showers can save you a lot of water. Try to limit your showers to 5 minutes or less.
Tip 4: Use water-efficient appliances
Water-efficient appliances can save you a lot of water and money. Look for appliances with the WaterSense label. WaterSense appliances meet strict water efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Tip 5: Get involved in water conservation efforts
There are a number of ways to get involved in water conservation efforts. You can participate in water conservation programs, educate yourself and others about water conservation, and volunteer with water conservation organizations.
By following these tips, you can help conserve water, protect water quality, and reduce your water bill.
For more information on water conservation, please visit the Des Moines Water Works website.
Conclusion
Des Moines Water Works is committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water service to the Des Moines metropolitan area. The utility implements comprehensive water management practices, including water conservation, source water protection, infrastructure maintenance, water quality monitoring, customer service, and sustainability. These practices are essential for ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the future.
Water is a precious resource, and it is important to use it wisely. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help conserve water, protect water quality, and reduce your water bill. Together, we can ensure that Des Moines has a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for generations to come.
