Des Moines Water Works: Nitrate Levels In Watersheds Are High

(Des Moines, IA) -- Recent rains have contributed to higher nitrate concentrations in Iowa watersheds, according to Des Moines Water Works. The utility has been monitoring concentrations which are high, but not yet at historic levels. Des Moines Water Works says nitrate concentrations have been fluctuating in both the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers since early April. Crews have been blending water sources, using water from reservoirs and underground storage. The nitrate removal facility (pictured below) was put in use starting May 6th.

Des Moines Water Works says all finished water continues to meet drinking water standards.

Last Friday, nitrate concentrations were at 13.0 mg/L and 15.9 mg/L in the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River, respectively. Water collected on May 24th from an infiltration gallery, a series of underground pipes that naturally filter water adjacent to the Raccoon River, had a nitrate concentration of 11.5 mg/L. Typically, the gallery is our highest quality source. This is the first time nitrate concentrations in the gallery have been above 10 mg/L in almost nine years. 

Des Moines Water Works says monitoring and removing nitrates from drinking water will continue. Officials with the utility say if nitrate concentrations remain high, the situation could be more challenging as water demand rises this summer.