Members of the Central Iowa Water Works Board of Directors at their first official meeting, after signing intergovernmental agreements.Photo: Elaine Irvine
(West Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines, multiple suburbs, and water utilities have formed Iowa's largest regional water system, serving more than 600,000 customers. Ted Corrigan of Des Moines Water Works says customers will still have the same local customer service and billing. He says the collaboration should lead to cost savings in the long run. He says the largest expenses for water utilities are in infrastructure, operation, and maintenance and the sharing of resources should lead to the best possible outcome for customers.
The 12 founders of the Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) have signed intergovernmental agreements with the State of Iowa making it an official entity. The Board of Trustees' first meeting was held today (Wednesday) in West Des Moines.
The Board of Trustees on CIWW will now iron out legal, accounting, and financial details. CIWW will own all water production facilities and assets. Founding agencies will retain local control to manage distribution, customer service, and other business functions. Members will purchase all their water from CIWW.
Demand for water in central Iowa is growing. Corrigan says over the next 10-to-20 years water treatment capacity will likely grow from 130 million gallons per day to 170 gallons per day.
Corrigan says the CIWW is looking at expanding the Saylorville water treatment plant, between Des Moines and the Saylorville Reservoir. He says another future project will include serving areas between Grimes and Urbandale. Corrigan says the CIWW may also need to consider another treatment plant at some point in the future.