Photo: Akaradech Pramoonsin / Moment / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- Nitrate removal systems are running at Central Iowa Water Works after unusually high nitrate levels were detected in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers for this time of year.
"We don’t typically run it in January," said Tami Madsen with Central Iowa Water Works. "We anticipate continuing to run the facility off and on over the next few weeks."
The last time the utility operated nitrate removal systems during winter was in 2015.
The systems will operate intermittently due to scheduled maintenance.
"It is very costly to run the system. Our goal is always to produce reliable drinking water, so anytime there’s a risk of exceeding standards, we use this facility. When we turn it on really depends on source water conditions," Madsen explained.
She emphasized that Central Iowa Water Works continues to provide safe drinking water that meets all standards.