NEWS RELEASE: Des Moines Water Works: Celebrating 100 Years and Planning for the Next 100 Years with Public Open House and Treatment Plant Tour
The first meeting of the independent Board of Water Works Trustees of the City of Des Moines was held on November 13, 1919. For 100 years, Des Moines Water Works has been an independently-operated public utility with a commitment to leading, advocating and investing in Central Iowa by providing safe, affordable and abundant drinking water.
To celebrate 100 years of serving Central Iowa and planning for the next 100 years, Des Moines Water Works is hosting two public open houses and treatment plant tours for customers to get a “behind the scenes” look at the treatment process at the historic Fleur Drive Treatment Plant that produces and delivers water 24 hours, 365 days a year.
The public is invited to follow along on the treatment process from “River to Tap” on Saturday, November 2. Two times are available for the open houses and treatment plant tours: 9:30-11:30 am and 12:30-2:30 pm. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Pre-register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/des-moines-water-works-100-year-anniversary-open-house-and-treatment-plant-tour-tickets-77542109537.
“From the very beginning, Des Moines Water Works’ mission was to protect public health by providing safe and affordable drinking water,” said Ted Corrigan, Interim CEO and General Manager, Des Moines Water Works. “From expanding the distribution system for fire protection in the early 1900s to meeting the drinking water needs of 500,000 central Iowans and the region’s thriving economy, Des Moines Water Works’ mission remains the same as it was 100 years ago and will guide us in meeting water needs for the next generation.”
A few highlights of Des Moines Water Works 100-year history include (but not limited to):
- Expanded treatment technologies to meet the growing Central Iowa community and vast water quality concerns;
- Built two additional treatment plants for added water supply and redundancy after the historic Flood of 1993;
- Worked with neighboring communities to meet their customer needs – including the first suburban customer of Urbandale in 1934;
- Continued investment and advocacy for source water protection in Iowa – including two 1,500-acre public parks – to protect drinking water sources.
More information and videos of Des Moines Water Works’ early history can be viewed here.
