Des Moines – Iowa – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) provides essential water services to approximately 600,000 residents across the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Windsor Heights, and parts of surrounding communities. As Iowa’s largest water utility and among the top 50 utilities nationwide, DMWW operates three advanced treatment facilities processing water from the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers through approximately 1,360 miles of distribution lines, maintaining over 80,000 water meters and 10,000 fire hydrants across central Iowa.
Des Moines sources its drinking water primarily from the Raccoon River and Des Moines River, with additional supply from radial collector wells and an infiltration gallery system. Water is treated at three facilities: the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant (75 MGD capacity), the L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Plant at Maffitt Reservoir (25 MGD capacity), and the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant (10 MGD capacity) utilizing advanced membrane technology. DMWW’s water consistently meets federal and state quality standards, though the utility faces ongoing challenges with agricultural runoff contributing to nitrate contamination, requiring sophisticated treatment processes and significant investment in nitrate removal systems to ensure safe drinking water for Iowa’s capital region.
Des Moines Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Federal Compliance: Des Moines Water Works maintains compliance with all federal and state drinking water standards, conducting rigorous daily water testing across all three treatment facilities and throughout the distribution system.
- Lead Service Line Program: DMWW has initiated a pilot lead service line replacement program in the King Irving and River Bend neighborhoods, with free replacements available to eligible homeowners as part of preparing for a city-wide replacement project.
- Nitrate Management: The utility operates a sophisticated Nitrate Removal Facility to address agricultural runoff contamination, with capability to remove nitrates when river levels exceed the federal limit of 10 milligrams per liter.
Water Sources
- Raccoon River: Primary source serving the Fleur Drive and L.D. McMullen treatment plants, with additional supply from an infiltration gallery system providing naturally filtered groundwater.
- Des Moines River: Secondary source serving the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant through radial collector wells, providing system redundancy and supply security.
- Source Water Challenges: Both river sources face contamination from agricultural runoff including nitrates, bacteria, sediment, and nutrients, requiring advanced multi-barrier treatment approaches.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Fleur Drive Plant: The primary facility with 75 MGD capacity utilizes comprehensive treatment including softening, filtration, disinfection, and operates the Nitrate Removal Facility when needed to meet federal standards.
- Saylorville Plant: Advanced facility incorporating ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis membrane technology for superior water softening and purification, serving northern Des Moines communities.
- L.D. McMullen Plant: Located at Maffitt Reservoir, this facility treats water from radial collector wells along the Raccoon River, providing naturally filtered groundwater to southwest Des Moines area.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Nitrate Treatment Innovation: DMWW implemented a $2.5 million system to redirect nitrate removal waste to the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority for proper treatment, eliminating discharge back to the Raccoon River.
- Distribution System: Maintaining 1,360 miles of water mains with over 80,000 automated water meters and 10,000 fire hydrants, supported by 7 water storage facilities for pressure stabilization.
- Emergency Preparedness: Enhanced flood protection systems and levees around treatment facilities, plus diversified water sources to maintain operations during extreme weather events.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Des Moines Water Works provides comprehensive customer support through multiple service channels including 24/7 emergency response, free lead testing for concerned residents, and proactive communication about water quality issues. The utility operates customer service at (515) 283-8700 during business hours and maintains transparent communication through regular water quality reports and public notifications. DMWW’s significant investments in nitrate removal technology, membrane filtration systems, and source water monitoring demonstrate its commitment to providing safe drinking water despite challenging source water conditions caused by intensive agricultural land use throughout central Iowa’s watersheds.
Recommendations for Des Moines Residents
Test for Lead
Contact Des Moines Water Works at (515) 283-8700 or email lead@dmww.com for information about lead service line testing. Residents in older neighborhoods may be eligible for free lead service line replacement through DMWW’s pilot program.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Des Moines Water Works’ conservation efforts by reducing outdoor water use, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances. Conservation helps reduce treatment costs during high-demand periods when nitrate removal may be necessary.
Consider Home Filtration
While DMWW’s water meets all federal standards, some residents may prefer additional filtration for taste, odor, or to address specific contaminants. Choose NSF-certified filters appropriate for your water quality concerns.
Support Water Quality Advocacy
Engage with local water quality initiatives and support agricultural practices that reduce nitrate runoff. Attend city council meetings and stay informed about watershed protection efforts that affect Des Moines’ source water quality.
Report Water Issues
Contact Des Moines Water Works Customer Service at (515) 283-8700 (8:00 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday) or customerservice@dmww.com for water quality concerns, billing questions, or service issues. Emergency services available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines’ tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Des Moines Water Works’ tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The utility conducts rigorous daily testing and operates three advanced treatment facilities with multiple barriers to ensure water safety.
DMWW treats water from the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers using comprehensive processes including softening, filtration, disinfection, and when necessary, nitrate removal. The utility maintains compliance with EPA regulations and provides transparent water quality reporting to all customers. In 2008, Des Moines was even recognized by Forbes.com as having the best city drinking water in the United States.
What are nitrates and why are they a concern?
Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that enter Des Moines’ water sources primarily through agricultural runoff from fertilizers and livestock operations throughout Iowa’s intensive farming regions.
The federal standard for nitrates in drinking water is 10 milligrams per liter, established primarily to prevent methemoglobinemia (“blue baby” disease) in infants. When source water nitrate levels exceed this limit, Des Moines Water Works operates its Nitrate Removal Facility, which can cost up to $10,000 per day to operate. The utility has invested significantly in treatment technology and alternative water sources to manage this ongoing challenge caused by upstream agricultural practices.
Does Des Moines have lead service lines?
Des Moines Water Works has identified some privately-owned lead service lines in older areas of the city and has launched a pilot replacement program in the King Irving and River Bend neighborhoods.
While there is no lead in the water DMWW produces or when it leaves the treatment plants, some older homes may have lead service lines connecting the water main to the home. These are owned by the property owner, but DMWW offers free replacement for eligible homeowners in pilot program areas. The utility has been notifying property owners by mail about their service line material and encourages residents to contact (515) 283-8700 or lead@dmww.com for more information about testing and replacement programs.
What is Des Moines doing about PFAS?
Des Moines Water Works is actively monitoring for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and following EPA guidance on these emerging contaminants, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
While DMWW has not reported significant PFAS contamination in its treated water, the utility continues surveillance monitoring as required by state and federal agencies. Some nearby communities like West Des Moines have had to shut down wells with PFAS contamination. DMWW is prepared to implement PFAS treatment technologies if needed and continues to monitor developments in EPA regulations for these emerging contaminants that have become a priority for water utilities nationwide.
Contaminants of Concern
Nitrates
Source: Agricultural runoff from fertilizer application and livestock operations throughout central Iowa’s intensive farming regions entering the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
Health Effects: Primarily concern for infants under 6 months (methemoglobinemia or “blue baby” disease); some studies suggest potential links to certain cancers and developmental issues at elevated levels
Current Status: DMWW operates a Nitrate Removal Facility when source water exceeds 10 mg/L federal limit; facility last operated in 2024 during high agricultural runoff periods EPA Limit: 10 milligrams per liter maximum contaminant level
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter groundwater and surface water sources
Health Effects: Research indicates potential impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers; known as “forever chemicals” due to environmental persistence
Current Status: Under surveillance monitoring by DMWW following EPA guidance; nearby utilities have found contamination in some wells requiring closure EPA Limits: New federal regulations established in 2024 for specific PFAS compounds
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