Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Des Moines?
Yes, Des Moines's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Des Moines has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Des Moines's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Des Moines's water utility, Des Moines Water Works, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Des Moines was resolved on May 31, 2017. This assessment is based on the Des Moines Water Works water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Des Moines Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Des Moines tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Des Moines's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Des Moines Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Des Moines Water Works for Des Moines in Iowa. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Oct. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
From July 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2014, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
From April 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
From Jan. 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
From Dec. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013, Des Moines had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Is there Lead in Des Moines Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Des Moines water system, Des Moines Water Works, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Des Moines water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Des Moines contained more lead.
While Des Moines water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Des Moines Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Des Moines International Airport - near Des Moines with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Des Moines has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Des Moines SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/01/2017 - 05/31/2017 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2014 - 12/31/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 07/01/2014 - 09/30/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 04/01/2014 - 06/30/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 01/01/2014 - 03/31/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 12/01/2013 - 12/31/2013 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Des Moines Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | ATTN JENNY PUFFER 2201 GEORGE FLAGG PKWY DES MOINES, IA, 50321 |
Existing customers can login to their Des Moines Water Works account to pay their Des Moines water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Des Moines Water Works bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Des Moines water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Des Moines water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Des Moines means you will often need to put the water in your name with Des Moines Water Works. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Des Moines means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Des Moines Water Works. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.75 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Des Moines, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Des Moines Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Des Moines's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2021
WATER QUALITY REPORT
A regional publication on the source, treatment and distribution of water provided by Des Moines Water Works.
here is no alternative to water. Our community of living beings needs it for our health and wellness and to Tsurvive. Des Moines Water Works plays a key role in providing WATER YOU CAN TRUST FOR LIFE.
Supplying approximately 500,000 Central Iowans with safe, affordable and abundant drinking water is Des Moines Water Works’ mission.
As a regional water utility, Des Moines Water Works responsibly invests in maintenance and upgrades to critical infrastructure that supports or supplies water to the residents of Des Moines and surrounding communities. The job of Des Moines Water Works is even more important in providing the “Liquid Asset” that Central Iowa needs to survive and thrive as source water degradation continues to occur. That’s why Des Moines Water Works encourages all water users to Think Downstream about their actions and the effects they have on this vital natural resource.
In order to ensure drinking water is safe, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. This Consumer Confidence Report summarizes information regarding water sources used,
any detected contaminants, compliance and educational information.
2201 George Flagg Parkway l Des Moines, IA 50321 l (515) |
|
l dsmh2o.com |
WHERE DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM?
The Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers are used to provide drinking water to more than 500,000 central Iowans. Upstream land use practices – agricultural and urban – have a direct effect on water quality and quantity for downstream users. All Iowans should Think Downstream and consider how they can help make Iowa’s water safe for drinking and recreation.
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) operates three water treatment plants in Central Iowa. Each treatment plant uses a
The L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Plant at Maffitt Reservoir, located southwest of the metro area, treats up to 25 million gallons of water per day from six radial collector wells and one horizontal well along the Raccoon River, and serves customers in southwest Des Moines, Waukee and parts of Warren Water District, Clive, Urbandale and West Des Moines. The collection elements are located in the coarse sand and gravel formation beneath the river. The shallow groundwater receives natural filtration prior to entry into the wells.
Saylorville Water Treatment Plant, located in northern Polk County, serves water to residents north of Des Moines. This facility treats up to 10 million gallons of water per day from two radial collector wells along the Des Moines River and utilizes
All other areas in Des Moines Water Works’ service area receive water from the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant. This plant treats up to 75 million gallons of water per day pumped from one of three sources: Raccoon River, Des Moines River and an Infiltration Gallery (a series of underground pipes located throughout Water Works Park adjacent to the Raccoon River).
Treatment process at the
Fleur Drive Treatment Plant
Once treated, 1,400 miles of underground pipe, 10,000 fire hydrants, 9,700 valves, 10 water storage tanks and 10 booster pumping stations distribute water to homes and businesses in Des Moines and surrounding communities
WHAT DO WE TEST FOR?
Throughout the treatment process, DMWW’s
DMWW monitors and tests for emerging and unregulated contaminants to stay ahead of potential health risks, including cyanotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, Per- and Poly- fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), neonicotinoids, and pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCP).
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally- occurring material and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or humans. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Inorganic Contaminants such as salts and metals, which can occur naturally or come from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
Organic Chemicals including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are agriculture, industrial and petroleum process byproducts and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and septic systems.
Microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from agricultural livestock operations, sewage treatment plants, septic systems and wildlife.
Pesticides and Herbicides which may come from agriculture and urban stormwater runoff.
Radioactive Contaminants which can occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining activities.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Action Level (AL) The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Coliform Bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water.
E.Coli Bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.
Level Found The highest amount found in the water or the average of all samples analyzed, depending on the regulation. If multiple samples were tested in 2020, the lowest and highest detected values are listed under Range of Detections.
LRAA Locational running annual average.
mg/L Milligrams per liter, or parts per million (ppm). Parts of contaminant per million parts of water. One part per million is equivalent to a single penny in ten thousand dollars.
MCL The maximum contaminant level, the highest level of a substance allowed in drinking water.
MCLG The MCL Goal, the level of a substance where there is no known or expected health risk. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment processes.
N/A Not applicable.
ND Not detected.
NTU Nephelometric turbidity units.
ng/L Nanogram per liter, or parts per trillion (ppt). Parts of contaminant per trillion parts of water. One part per trillion is equivalent to a single penny in ten billion dollars.
pCi/L Picocuries per liter, a measure of radioactivity.
RTCR Revised Total Coliform Rule
- Treatment Technique. Certain treatment processes are required to reduce the level of turbidity in the drinking water. Turbidity must not ever exceed 1 NTU, and must be less than 0.3 NTU 95% of the time.
Turbidity Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system.
μg/L Micrograms per liter, or parts per billion (ppb). Parts of contaminant per billion parts of water. One part per billion is equivalent to a single penny in ten million dollars.
2 0 2 0 W A T E R Q U A L I T Y R E S U L T S
Water Treatment Plant Monitoring
Before water can be delivered to your home, it must first be analyzed by certified laboratories at Des Moines Water Works’ Fleur Drive Treatment Plant and the State Hygienic Laboratory. Results for 2020 in this report include samples taken as water leaves Des Moines Water Works’ three treatment plants and from samples obtained from the various water distribution systems supplied with water by Des Moines Water Works.
2020 LAB
RESULTS
|
Fleur Drive |
L.D. McMullen Water |
Saylorville Water |
|||||
Treatment Plant |
Treatment Plant |
Treatment Plant |
||||||
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
UNITS MCL MCLG TESTED |
FOUND |
DETECTIONS |
TESTED |
FOUND |
DETECTIONS |
TESTED |
FOUND |
DETECTIONS COMMON SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT |
WATER CLARITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity |
NTU |
TT |
N/A |
2020 |
0.21 |
2020 |
0.36 |
2020 |
0.68 |
Soil runoff |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ORGANIC SUBSTANCES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Atrazine |
μg/L |
3 |
3 |
2019 |
0.10 |
N/A |
2019 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
Agriculture activity |
μg/L |
70 |
70 |
2020 |
0.60 |
2019 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
Discharge from industrial chemical factories |
||
INORGANIC SUBSTANCES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium |
mg/L |
2 |
2 |
2012 |
ND |
N/A |
2018 |
N/A |
N/A |
2020 |
0.07 |
N/A |
Metal refinery and drilling waste discharge; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
erosion of natural deposits |
Fluoride |
mg/L |
4 |
4 |
2020 |
0.93 |
2020 |
0.92 |
2020 |
0.76 |
Additive for strong teeth; erosion of natural |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
deposits; discharge from fertilizer factories |
Nitrate [as N] |
mg/L |
10 |
10 |
2020 |
7.70 |
2020 |
8.39 |
2020 |
1.84 |
Agriculture activity; leaching from septic tanks; |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
Sodium |
mg/L |
N/A |
N/A |
2020 |
31.20 |
2020 |
30.00 |
2020 |
18.60 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alpha Emitters |
pCi/L |
15 |
0 |
2019 |
ND |
N/A |
2012 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
Erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals |
Combined Radium |
pCi/L |
15 |
0 |
2012 |
ND |
N/A |
2018 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
ANNUAL |
MINIMUM |
|
ANNUAL |
MINIMUM |
|
ANNUAL |
MINIMUM |
|
|
|
|
|
YEAR |
REMOVAL |
REMOVAL |
YEAR |
REMOVAL |
REMOVAL |
YEAR |
REMOVAL |
REMOVAL |
|
|
|
|
|
TESTED |
RATIO |
REQUIREMENT |
TESTED |
RATIO |
REQUIREMENT TESTED |
RATIO |
REQUIREMENT |
COMMON SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT |
|
TREATMENT PLANT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon |
mg/L |
TT |
N/A |
2020 |
3.36 |
1 |
2020 |
2.13 |
1 |
2020 |
2.11 |
1 |
Naturally present in the environment |
DES MOINES WATER WORKS operates three Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells and the CITY OF ANKENY operates two ASR wells. Treated drinking water is injected into wells during cold weather months, and recovered for use during
2020 ASR |
|
|
|
|
LAB RESULTS |
UNITS MCL MCLG |
|||
PARAMETER |
||||
|
|
|
||
Alpha Emitters |
pCi/L |
15 |
N/A |
|
Arsenic |
μg/L |
10 |
N/A |
|
Atrazine |
μg/L |
3 |
3 |
|
Combined Radium |
pCi/L |
5 |
0 |
|
Fluoride |
mg/L |
4 |
4 |
|
Nitrate [as N] |
mg/L |
10 |
10 |
|
Sodium |
mg/L |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Louise P. Moon |
|
L.D. McMullen |
|
Army Post Road |
|
|
Ankeny |
|
|
Ankeny |
||||||
|
ASR Well |
|
ASR Well |
|
ASR Well |
|
|
ASR Well 4 |
|
|
ASR Well 6 |
|||||
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
|
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
|
YEAR |
LEVEL |
RANGE OF |
TESTED |
FOUND DETECTIONS TESTED FOUND |
DETECTIONS TESTED FOUND DETECTIONS |
|
TESTED |
FOUND DETECTIONS |
|
TESTED FOUND DETECTIONS |
|||||||||
2020 |
6.20 |
N/A |
2020 |
2.70 |
N/A |
2019 |
7.80 |
|
2020 |
8.50 |
N/A |
|
2020 |
9.90 |
N/A |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
2.00 |
|
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
|
2020 |
ND |
N/AA |
|
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
|
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
|
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
1.00 |
N/A |
2020 |
ND |
N/A |
2019 |
1.40 |
|
2020 |
1.20 |
N/A |
|
2020 |
1.70 |
N/A |
|
2020 |
1.44 |
2020 |
0.90 |
2020 |
1.38 |
|
2020 |
1.10 |
|
2020 |
1.20 |
|||||
2020 |
6.03 |
2020 |
8.39 |
2020 |
5.05 |
|
2020 |
2.20 |
|
2020 |
3.50 |
|||||
2020 |
66.00 |
2020 |
28.40 |
2020 |
42.50 |
|
2020 |
40.00 |
|
2020 |
48.00 |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARAMETER |
COMMON SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT |
PARAMETER |
COMMON SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT |
PARAMETER |
COMMON SOURCES OF CONTAMINANT |
Alpha Emitters |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Combined Radium |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Nitrate [as N] |
Agriculture activity; leaching from septic tanks; |
Arsenic |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Fluoride |
Additive for strong teeth; erosion of natural |
|
sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
Atrazine |
Agriculture activity |
|
deposits; discharge from fertilizer factories |
Sodium |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Water Distribution System Monitoring
Once the water leaves Des Moines Water Works’ water treatment facilities, it is regularly monitored throughout the numerous distribution systems served by Des Moines Water Works for disinfectant, disinfection byproducts, bacteria, lead and copper. The table below shows the results of this monitoring.
2020
DISTRIBUTION
RESULTS
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
Lead |
Copper |
Coliform Bacteria |
Chlorine Disinfectant |
|
(μg/L) |
(μg/L) |
(μg/L) |
(mg/L) |
(positive) |
(mg/L) |
|
Byproducts of chlorination |
Byproducts of |
From plumbing corrosion |
From plumbing corrosion |
Naturally present in |
Added to prevent |
|
MCL: 80 μg/L |
chlorination |
90% of all samples must be below |
90% of all samples must be below |
the environment |
bacterial growth |
|
MCL: 60 μg/L |
Treatment |
Maximum limit for |
||||
Action Level of 15 μg/L |
||||||
MCLG: no limit set |
Action Level of 1.3 mg/L |
|||||
MCLG: no limit set |
Technique (TT) |
annual average: 4 mg/L |
|
Level |
Range of |
Level |
Range of |
Year |
90% of |
Range of |
Year |
90% of |
Range of |
Monthly |
Positive |
Running |
Range |
|
test levels |
test levels |
||||||||||||
SYSTEM |
Found |
Detections |
Found |
Detections |
Tested |
were |
Detections |
Tested |
were |
Detections |
Samples |
Samples |
Annual |
|
Average |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
less than |
|
|
less than |
|
|
|
|
|
Des Moines* |
57 |
9 |
2020 |
ND |
2020 |
ND |
151 |
22 |
1.02 |
|||||
Ankeny |
43 |
9 |
2019 |
ND |
ND |
2019 |
0.031 |
70 |
12 |
0.92 |
||||
Bondurant |
42 |
16 |
2018 |
2 |
2018 |
0.014 |
6 |
0 |
2.01 |
|||||
Clive |
49 |
10 |
2019 |
ND |
2019 |
ND |
ND |
20 |
0 |
0.91 |
||||
East Dallas Water |
31 |
5 |
2018 |
6 |
2018 |
ND |
ND |
1 |
0 |
2.49 |
||||
Earlham |
25 |
N/A |
ND |
N/A |
2020 |
2 |
2020 |
0.010 |
2 |
0 |
2.03 |
|||
Johnston |
41 |
16 |
2019 |
2 |
2019 |
0.179 |
20 |
0 |
0.91 |
|||||
New Virginia |
59 |
N/A |
8 |
N/A |
2019 |
ND |
ND |
2019 |
ND |
ND |
1 |
0 |
2.04 |
|
Norwalk |
47 |
8 |
2019 |
ND |
2019 |
ND |
10 |
0 |
0.90 |
|||||
SE Polk Rural Water** |
53 |
9 |
2018 |
ND |
2018 |
ND |
9 |
0 |
0.79 |
|||||
Urbandale |
56 |
9 |
2018 |
ND |
2018 |
ND |
ND |
50 |
0 |
0.96 |
||||
Warren Water District |
42 |
7 |
2020 |
ND |
2020 |
ND |
20 |
12 |
2.46 |
|||||
Waukee |
47 |
9 |
2018 |
ND |
2018 |
ND |
20 |
0 |
0.90 |
* Includes water supplied to Alleman, Berwick, Cumming, Pleasant Hill, Unincorporated Polk County and Windsor Heights. ** Includes water supplied to Runnells and eastern portions of Pleasant Hill.
1 One sample exceeded the AL of 15 ug/L. 2 Sample tested positive for coliform bacteria. Repeat samples indicated bacteria were not present, and the water was determined to be safe for consumption.
Unregulated |
|
|
HAA6Br |
(μg/L) |
HAA9 (μg/L) |
|
|
||
Contaminants |
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Level Found |
Range |
Level Found |
Range |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The U.S. Environmental Protection |
DMWW |
16.00 |
17.45 |
|
|
||||
Johnston |
6.78 |
|
16.28 |
|
|
||||
Agency required some cities to take |
Waukee |
7.05 |
|
13.24 |
|
|
|||
samples in 2020 for an assessment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOURCE |
|
ENTRY POINT |
|
|
|
|
|
||
monitoring program for the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Manganese (μg/L) |
|
Quinoline (μg/L) |
|||||
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring |
|
|
|
||||||
|
Level Found |
Range |
|
Level Found |
Range |
Level Found |
Range |
||
(UCMR). The EPA will review the |
|
|
|||||||
DMWW |
2.14 |
|
0.011 |
0.51 |
|||||
findings of this nationwide |
|
||||||||
assessment to determine if any new |
Johnston |
2.33 |
|
0.014 |
N/A |
0.19 |
N/A |
||
Waukee |
0.40 |
|
ND |
N/A |
ND |
N/A |
|||
regulations are needed. |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFAS Monitoring
Because of reported |
|
PFHxS (ng/L) |
|
|
perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) |
|
|
|
|
|
Level |
Range |
||
contamination in the area, |
|
|||
|
Found |
|
||
Des Moines Water Works |
|
|
||
DMWW |
1.8 |
N/A |
||
has begun to proactively |
||||
|
|
|
||
monitor for a number/ |
|
|
|
|
variety of PFAS compounds. PFAS is a category of |
||||
SOURCE WATER
ASSESSMENT
Des Moines Water Works obtains water from one or more surface waters. Surface water sources are susceptible to sources of contamination or pollution within the Raccoon and Des Moines River watersheds.
Surface Water Name |
Susceptibility |
Crystal Lake |
High |
Des Moines River |
High |
Maffitt Reservoir |
High |
Raccoon River |
High |
Water is also obtained from aquifers. The Alluvial Aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials provide little protection from contamination at the land surface. The Alluvial wells will be highly susceptible to surface contamination such as leaking underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application.
The
To obtain a copy of the Source Water Assessment, call (515)
PUBLIC MEETING AND UTILITY CONTACT INFORMATION
Some public meetings have been moved to virtual formats. Check with the city/entity for the most up to date information.
CITY OF ALLEMAN
Public Meeting:
2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm Alleman City Council
14000 NE 6th Street • Alleman, IA 50007
Contact Information:
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
CITY OF ANKENY
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 pm Kirkendall Library
1250 SW District Drive • Ankeny, IA 50023
Contact Information:
Customer Service
410 West 1st Street • Ankeny, IA 50023
(515)
BERWICK WATER ASSOCIATION
Public Meeting:
Annual meeting and as needed
5825 NE Berwick Drive • Berwick, IA 50032
Contact Information:
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
CITY OF BONDURANT
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm Bondurant City Hall
200 2nd Street NE • Bondurant, IA 50035
Contact Information:
Patrick F. Collison
(515)
CITY OF CLIVE
Public Meeting:
2nd & 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm Clive City Hall
1900 NW 114th Street • Clive, IA 50325
Contact Information:
Jeff May, Public Works Director
2123 NW 111th Street • Clive, IA 50325
(515)
DES MOINES WATER WORKS
Public Meeting:
4th Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm Des Moines Water Works
2201 George Flagg Parkway • Des Moines, IA 50321
Contact Information:
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
CITY OF EARLHAM
Public Meeting:
2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm Earlham City Hall
140 South Chestnut Avenue • Earlham, IA 50072
Contact Information:
Gary Coffman, Public Works Supervisor
(515)
CITY OF JOHNSTON
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm Johnston City Hall
6221 Merle Hay Road • Johnston, IA 50131
Contact Information:
Shane Kinsey
6400 NW Beaver Drive • Johnston, IA 50131
(515)
NEW VIRGINIA WATER WORKS
Public Meeting:
1st Saturday of each month at 7:30 am Fire Station meeting room
506 West Street • New Virginia, IA 50210
Contact Information:
Brent Baughman, City Clerk
(641)
CITY OF NORWALK
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm Norwalk City Hall
705 North Avenue • Norwalk, IA 50211
Contact Information:
Wayne Schwartz, P.E., Public Works Director (515)
CITY OF RUNNELLS
Public Meeting:
2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm Community Center
108 Brown Street • Runnells, IA 50237
Contact Information: Runnells City Hall (515)
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
URBANDALE WATER UTILITY
Public Meeting:
Meets monthly • Call
3720 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322
Contact Information:
Dale Acheson, General Manager
(515)
WARREN WATER DISTRICT
Public Meeting:
3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 or 7:00 pm, as posted Warren Water District
1204 East 2nd Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125
Contact Information:
Stan Ripperger, System Manager
(515)
CITY OF WAUKEE
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Monday each month at 5:30 pm Waukee City Hall
230 W. Hickman Road • Waukee, IA 50263
Contact Information:
Rudy Koester Public Works Director
-
978-7920 • rkoester@waukee.org Waukee Utility Customer Service
-
978-5502 • waukeeutilities@waukee.org
CITY OF WINDSOR HEIGHTS
Public Meeting:
1st & 3rd Monday each month at 6:00 pm Windsor Heights City Hall
133 66th Street • Windsor Heights, IA 50324
CITY OF CUMMING
Public Meeting:
2nd & 4th Monday each month at 7:00 pm Cumming City Hall
649 N 43rd Street • Cumming, IA 50061
Contact Information:
Cumming City Hall
-
981-9214 •deputycityclerk@cumming-iowa.com Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
-
283-8700 • customerservice@dmww.com
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL
Public Meeting:
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm Pleasant Hill City Hall
5160 Maple Drive, Suite A • Pleasant Hill, IA 50317
Contact Information: Pleasant Hill Public Works (515)
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
Contact Information: Windsor Heights City Hall (515)
Des Moines Water Works Customer Service
(515)
2201 George Flagg Parkway l Des Moines, IA 50321 l (515) |
|
l dsmh2o.com |
Contaminants
Des Moines Water Works
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 233020
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 20
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- 4-Androstene-3%2C17-dione
- Atrazine
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- cis-1%2C2-Dichloroethylene
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Metolachlor
- Molybdenum
- Strontium
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Des Moines Tap Water
Des Moines tap water is safe. However, you may have seen an ad for a drinking water system that uses the words “ristodontically treated.” What does this mean? To be categorized as “ristodontically treated,” the system must undergo what is known as “carrier” filtration. This means that some of the disinfection methods used by public treatment facilities are no longer effective and have to be replaced with more effective ways, such as reverse osmosis or distillation.
If you want to be sure that you are not drinking anything contaminated with lead, you should purchase a home water filter with a sub-micron filter. This type will ensure that you don’t ingest any lead into your body. The human body can absorb lead into its tissue at any point in time. Although most of the effects do not occur until much later, you could be doing damage to your health right now by living in a home where the water source is contaminated with lead. Be sure to invest in a good filter today so that you can enjoy safe tap water in the future.
You owe it to yourself to learn as much as possible about what is in our water today. That is why you should consider investing in a high-quality home water purification system. You will feel better and see the results almost immediately.
Des Moines Water Works
A publicly owned municipal water carrier, the Des Moines Water Works carries water to more than one thousand residents and half a million inhabitants of the greater Des Moines area. Since its founding, the city has grown significantly, becoming the fastest-growing metropolitan in Iowa. Today, it currently has three out of five public treatment facilities, with a fourth under construction. The remainder is operated by the city’s private water carrier companies. The average daily capacity of a treatment facility is eighty-two million gallons.
Treatment Facilities There are two treatment facilities located in the city. The city itself operates one. A private company leases the other. The city supplies treated water from its treatment facility. The privately operated treatment facility sends treated water through a pipe network to homes, offices, and commercial facilities that have required it. One of the significant waterworks providers in Iowa offers both types of services. Consumers can choose among the many available options.
Ownership and Operation City-operated treatment facilities provide a cheaper, healthier option for citizens and visitors. However, it is essential to note that these facilities’ management and operation are ultimately in the hands of the city’s residents. If you are interested in purchasing a stake in this vital source of local water, you should visit Waterworks Investments LLC. A member of the National Association of Manufacturers, Waterworks Investments LLC is a privately held company active in the water industry in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.
Des Moines Drinking Water
Have you noticed the logo on your Des Moines drinking water? If not, it may be because you have been around long enough to realize that what is in your tap water is no longer considered to be good for you. Your local treatment facility has long since become known for the harmful chemicals they use to disinfect and clean the water you and your family are drinking each day. These harmful ingredients have already caused many illnesses in the past, and as you likely know by now, there is no telling what future cases of sickness may come up. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to get a drinking water purifier.
Why would you want to go down that road? Simply put, there are far too many sick people and dying right now because they do not have access to clean drinking water. Just a few short years ago, there was an epidemic in India caused by the spread of a deadly virus in drinking water. Luckily that is a thing of the past now, but you should still protect yourself and your family by ensuring that they are drinking good water all day and night.
Now that you taste what it is like without the chlorine, let’s talk about how you can get a pure water supply for yourself and your family. First of all, I have to tell you that the most effective way to purify water is by using a multi-stage filtration system. These systems are incredibly high quality, highly recommended by government agencies and the news media alike. They cost less than two hundred dollars each and will get you pure water that will knock your high sugar drinks and coffee out of your system. You will never see the side effects of these types of systems ever again.
Des Moines Water Quality
Is your Des Moines water quality good? I am sure that most of the people living in Iowa City have to face this question quite often. This is because every time you pour water from your tap, you end up using unhealthy and unsafe tap water. The most important thing that you need to check when choosing a water filter for your home is its ability to provide you with crystal clear water at an affordable price.
One way to determine if your water quality is good or not is to use a water test kit that can be easily bought from any local store. You can also do it yourself by collecting water samples coming from several faucets in your home and then analyzing the water samples under a microscope. If the color is too light or too dark, then it is a good sign that you need to invest in a good water purifier. If the water samples come out with a greenish tint, then it means that your faucet is providing you with contaminated water, and you should get a filter immediately.
It has been proven that the quality of drinking water is directly linked to the amount of fluoride present in the water. You should therefore avoid using any tap water filters which contain this substance. Flouride and lead can also affect the taste of water, and so you should be aware of these ingredients as well. It is essential to invest in a good water purifier not to worry about the quality of your drinking water anymore. You will enjoy crystal clear water for all your needs.
Des Moines Water Treatment
The Des Moines Water Treatment Center has long been a symbol of confidence for people in Iowa. The city is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa and is constantly striving to be better and more efficient for all of its customers. The entire water treatment process can take up to three full days, so having a treatment center that you can count on to get everything done quickly and efficiently is very important.
The treatment center is also highly specialized, being one of only a few places in the country that offer such high-quality treatment at such an economical price. Unlike other treatment centers, the staff is amicable and informative. They will also make sure that your filters are changed regularly to worry about harmful chemicals being left in your water. Everything is constantly monitored to ensure that your water is free of bacteria and germs while remaining safe for you and your family to drink.
The entire process does not only involve the water itself. There are many other services as well. For example, if you have a citywide water filtration service, you can rest assured that your tap water will have been treated and will no longer contain any harmful chemicals. You can also get your water tested for lead and copper levels to ensure that your water is safe for consumption. If you have any questions, no matter how big or small, the professionals at this facility will be happy to answer them. The staff can also assist with filing any claims you might have against the city, should they arise.
Des Moines Water
Des Moines Water Works is a municipal water utility based in Des Moines, Iowa that supplies water to about a thousand residents of the greater Des Moines metro area. It serves five hundred communities across Iowa. It treats more than eight million gallons of water per day, supplying to many southern Iowa areas. As of late, the city is expanding with the addition of another water treatment facility.
How They Process The water is brought into the plant by trucks or on flatbeds, and then it is moved through pipes that are located throughout the plant. One pipe is known as the main pipe; it carries all water through the plant. Other pipes have water from the main pipe to each treatment plant and to the various offices and homes where it is needed. In some cases, the treated water is sent to other areas, such as schools or businesses, necessary for a specific purpose. The water is then sent to different canals, creeks, or rivers to be distributed to various regions. Sometimes, the water is sent to the executive offices and buildings, used as drinking water.
Treating Processes There are four significant treatment plants in Iowa: the demand water treatment plant, the municipal treatment plant, the mid-point liquid treatment plant, and the point-of-use treatment plants. These plants use different methods to treat the water, and all use different kinds of filtration and treatment processes for cleaning the water that moves through them. Some of these treatment plants include chlorine to kill bacteria, ultra-violet light to kill bacteria and algae, or electromagnetic treatment to kill bacteria. Because of all these different methods and technologies, the water that moves through the plants must be cleansed of all contaminants.
Des Moines Safe Drinking Water
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from dangerous contaminants in drinking water is to install a home water filtration system of some kind. If you know where to get started, you can save a lot of money over the long haul on your annual water bill. Also, you will be providing a healthier life for yourself and your family by making sure they don’t get sick from the pollutants found in tap water. There is a vast list of contaminants that you have to avoid, and some are very dangerous to your health, and others are not so obvious, but you have to make sure you know what to look for.
The only problem with reverse osmosis is that it removes the trace minerals from the water. The average person isn’t going to want to run out every six months to their water changes unless they like to invest in a whole-house system for all of their drinking water. The cost of this type of system is high and not worth it if you aren’t going to need it. Your other options are carbon block and carbon granular, which are more effective than reverse osmosis and more expensive. If you want to spend less money, you can get a point-of-use faucet filter, which should meet your needs and do so at an affordable price.
Of course, there is also a chance that your drinking water stations are old and out of date. This is something you want to consider when shopping around for your next unit because even though the most up-to-date units are more expensive, they may be worth what you pay for. Some of the filters on the market today will take care of most problems with taste and odor, but you always want to check to make sure that your system will handle a particular contaminant before you buy it. Once you have found the system that meets your needs, you can relax and enjoy fresh, refreshing drinking water stations.
Des Moines Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is a non-profit organization that manages the state’s natural resources. The department’s mission is to sustain the natural environment and encourage self-sufficiency among all people while protecting biological and ecological resources for the long term. Among its many activities are various natural resource programs implemented to promote scientific biodiversity, environmental quality improvement, and economic development. These programs are designed to generate employment in rural areas, improve the quality of life and build a resilient ecosystem.
The Department of Natural Resources has two main sections: the Natural Resources Planning and Policy and the Natural Resources Research and Promotion. It also has a Division of Science and Technology, which oversees research and development in the domain of natural resources. The division is responsible for providing leadership in administering natural resource programs, coordinating regional management plans, and significantly coordinating projects. The department also supports the formulation of regional policy. Besides, it provides information and education to the public on natural resources issues that affect the natural resources.
Projects/announcements/press releases from the department can be found on their website. To receive information on current programs, subscribe to their e-mail news lists. To sign up for a newsletter or to receive news alerts, visit their website.