Des Moines Water Quality at a Glance
nitrate concerns
Is Des Moines Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, With Seasonal Concerns — Des Moines water meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink. However, the region continues to face chronic high nitrate levels from agricultural runoff, with periodic conservation restrictions when treatment capacity is under pressure. Disinfection byproducts from chlorine treatment remain an ongoing concern. PFAS levels are low relative to other U.S. cities. See our water filter recommendations if you’d like extra peace of mind.
⚠️ Key Concerns for Des Moines Residents
- Nitrates: Persistently elevated levels in source rivers due to agricultural runoff, requiring continuous operation of the Nitrate Removal Facility and periodic Stage III water restrictions
- Agricultural Impact: Fertilizer runoff from Iowa’s extensive farmland remains the primary driver of chronic nitrate contamination in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
- Disinfection Byproducts: Bromodichloromethane, haloacetic acids, and trihalomethanes from chlorine treatment are detected at low but measurable levels
- Lead Service Lines: Older areas of the city may have private lead service lines; DMWW’s replacement programme is ongoing
Check the live U.S. boil water tracker for any active advisories in Iowa.
Read the full report below for detailed analysis, city-specific data, and actionable recommendations for Des Moines residents.
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Des Moines – Iowa – Water Quality Report 2026: PFAS Testing, Nitrate Challenges & 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) utilising 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 (2025–2026)
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. DMWW’s 2025 Consumer Confidence Report confirms continued compliance with all EPA maximum contaminant levels.
- Lead Service Line Programme: DMWW’s lead service line replacement programme has expanded beyond its original pilot neighbourhoods in King Irving and River Bend, with the city preparing for a broader city-wide inventory and replacement effort in line with the EPA’s updated Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) deadline requirements.
- Nitrate Management: Following near-record nitrate levels in source rivers during 2025, DMWW has continued investment in treatment capacity and source water monitoring entering 2026. Treated water consistently remains within EPA limits through advanced nitrate removal technology.
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. Nitrate levels in the river fluctuate seasonally, typically peaking during spring and early summer following heavy rainfall and fertiliser application across Iowa’s agricultural landscape.
- Des Moines River: Secondary source serving the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant through radial collector wells, providing system redundancy and supply security. Also subject to elevated nitrate levels during peak agricultural runoff periods.
- Source Water Challenges: Both river sources face contamination from agricultural runoff including nitrates, bacteria, sediment, and nutrients, requiring advanced multi-barrier treatment approaches and frequent operation of the Nitrate Removal Facility. Des Moines’ situation is not unique — neighbouring cities such as Omaha and Kansas City face similar agricultural runoff pressures on their source water.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Fleur Drive Plant: The primary facility with 75 MGD capacity utilises 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 the southwest Des Moines area.
Infrastructure Modernisation
- Nitrate Treatment Investment: DMWW’s Nitrate Removal Facility has logged millions of dollars in operating costs since 2013, with elevated operational frequency during years of high agricultural runoff. The utility continues to evaluate expanded treatment capacity to manage long-term nitrate risk.
- 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 stabilisation.
- 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 continued investment in nitrate removal technology, membrane filtration, and source water monitoring reflects its commitment to safe drinking water despite the challenging conditions caused by intensive agricultural land use throughout central Iowa’s watersheds. Residents can also check our live U.S. boil water advisory tracker for any active notices affecting Iowa communities. For broader context on Iowa’s water quality landscape, see our Iowa water quality guide.
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 neighbourhoods may be eligible for free lead service line replacement through DMWW’s ongoing replacement programme. See our U.S. water quality resource hub for general guidance on lead testing at home.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Des Moines Water Works’ conservation efforts by adhering to any current lawn watering restrictions, reducing outdoor water use, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances. Conservation is critical during high-nitrate periods to maintain treatment capacity and prevent violations of federal drinking water standards. Check DMWW’s website for the latest restriction status before using sprinklers or irrigation systems.
Consider Home Filtration
While DMWW’s water meets all federal standards, some residents prefer additional filtration for taste, odour, or to address specific contaminants like disinfection byproducts. Choose NSF-certified filters appropriate for your water quality concerns. See our water filter solutions guide for independently reviewed recommendations.
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. The long-term solution to nitrate contamination in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers requires action at the farm and policy level, not just at the treatment plant. See how neighbouring Iowa communities are addressing the same challenge.
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 are available 24/7. You can also report concerns via our contact page and we’ll help point you to the right resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines’ tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Yes, Des Moines Water Works’ tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards in 2026. 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 through its annual Consumer Confidence Report. While agricultural runoff continues to challenge source water quality, DMWW consistently produces safe treated drinking water through its advanced treatment infrastructure. For comparison, see how Minneapolis and Kansas City manage similar Midwestern water quality challenges.
What are nitrates and why are they a concern for Des Moines?
Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that enter Des Moines’ water sources primarily through agricultural runoff from fertilisers 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. During 2025, Des Moines faced near-record nitrate levels in source rivers that stressed treatment capacity and triggered Stage III water restrictions. DMWW’s Nitrate Removal Facility is the primary defence, allowing the utility to deliver treated water within safe limits even when river levels are elevated. The underlying cause — agricultural land use across Iowa’s watersheds — makes this a long-term structural challenge for the city. Infants, pregnant women, and households with private wells should pay particular attention to nitrate advisories. See our Iowa state water quality guide for broader context.
Does Des Moines have lead service lines?
Des Moines Water Works has identified privately-owned lead service lines in older areas of the city and operates an ongoing replacement programme aligned with new EPA Lead and Copper Rule requirements.
While there is no lead in the water DMWW produces or in water as it leaves treatment plants, some older homes may have lead service lines connecting the water main to the building. These are owned by the property, but DMWW offers free replacement for eligible homeowners through its programme. The utility continues to notify affected property owners by mail and encourages residents to contact (515) 283-8700 or lead@dmww.com for testing and replacement information. The EPA’s updated Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require all water systems to complete a full service line inventory and accelerate replacements — DMWW is actively working toward compliance with these 2026 requirements. Visit our water quality hub to learn more about lead in drinking water nationwide.
What is Des Moines doing about PFAS in 2026?
Des Moines Water Works is actively monitoring for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and is preparing for compliance with the EPA’s new enforceable PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels, finalised in 2024 and taking effect in stages through 2026–2029.
DMWW has conducted proactive PFAS surveillance for several years and Iowa generally has lower PFAS contamination compared to coastal and heavily industrialised states. The EPA’s 2024 rule set MCLs for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion — among the most stringent limits in the world — as well as limits for PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and a hazard index for mixtures. DMWW is required to complete initial monitoring under the new rule and notify the public of results. If levels exceed the new MCLs, the utility must install treatment and achieve compliance by 2029. Current data suggests Des Moines is well-positioned relative to harder-hit systems. See our filter guide for NSF-certified options that remove PFAS if you want extra protection at the tap.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, water professional, or community leader, our daily updates and analytical insights keep you informed about the issues that matter most to public health and environmental safety.
Contaminants of Concern
Nitrates
Source: Agricultural runoff from fertiliser application and livestock operations throughout central Iowa’s intensive farming regions, entering the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers upstream of intake points
Health Effects: Primarily a concern for infants under 6 months (methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby” syndrome); some studies suggest potential links to certain cancers and developmental issues at sustained elevated exposure
Current Status: Following near-record source water levels in 2025, DMWW has continued to invest in treatment capacity. Treated water is maintained within EPA limits through the Nitrate Removal Facility. Levels in source rivers fluctuate with rainfall, season, and farming activity — monitoring continues year-round. EPA Limit: 10 milligrams per liter (MCL). Compare Des Moines’ situation with the Iowa statewide picture.
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams (AFFF), and consumer products that can persist in groundwater and surface water sources; potential sources near Des Moines include military and aviation facilities
Health Effects: Research indicates potential impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers; classified as “forever chemicals” due to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation
Current Status: DMWW is under active surveillance monitoring and preparing for compliance with the EPA’s 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, which sets enforceable MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, and four additional PFAS compounds. Iowa generally has lower PFAS concentrations than many other states. DMWW must complete initial monitoring under the new rule and has until 2029 to install treatment if levels exceed MCLs. EPA Limits: 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS (enforceable from 2029). See our filter guide for NSF 58-certified reverse osmosis options that reduce PFAS at the tap.
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