Des Moines Water Works

Des Moines Water Works Des Moines Water Works provides WATER YOU CAN TRUST FOR LIFE to 600,000 Central Iowans.

Can I water my flowers, trees and vegetable gardens? Yes - flower gardens, flowerpots and vegetable gardens can still be...
05/30/2026

Can I water my flowers, trees and vegetable gardens?

Yes - flower gardens, flowerpots and vegetable gardens can still be watered - both by residents and businesses that sell these items - during a Stage II Water Alert. Watering gardens is not as taxing as lawn irrigation (which can account for 30 to 40 percent of water used each day). Using a watering can or hose with a shut-off nozzle is a more conservation-friendly way to ensure those plants remain healthy.

The Stage II Water Alert is a voluntary ask to cut lawn watering in half to further enable water treatment facilities to ensure all water meets federal and state drinking water standards.

Have questions? https://ciww.gov/water-use-plan-faq/

Thank you to our top commercial and residential irrigators for stepping up and supporting the voluntary 50% reduction in...
05/29/2026

Thank you to our top commercial and residential irrigators for stepping up and supporting the voluntary 50% reduction in outdoor water use. Lawn watering is the largest use of water during the summer months, accounting for 30 to 40% of the water produced each day.

While the Stage II Water Alert issued by Central Iowa Water Works on Wednesday is voluntary, we thank you for answering our request to conserve water by reducing outdoor watering.

City of Des Moines public golf courses are reducing irrigation to only when and where it is needed, and private courses have been asked to minimize watering while maintaining plant health and safe playing conditions.

City of Des Moines splash pad hours have been reduced. You can find updated schedules on the Des Moines Parks and Recreation social media page.

Every effort helps conserve water for our community. Thank you for doing your part.

The central Iowa region – including Des Moines Water Works’ customers – is under a Stage II Water Alert – this affects o...
05/27/2026

The central Iowa region – including Des Moines Water Works’ customers – is under a Stage II Water Alert – this affects outdoor water usage only. All drinking water continues to meet federal and state safety standards.

Beginning immediately, residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use by 50 percent. Increased water demand and persistently high nitrate concentrations in raw source waters are creating operational strain on the regional water treatment system.

This includes residents and businesses in Alleman, Berwick, Bondurant, Cu***ng, Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Runnells, Unincorporated Polk County and Windsor Heights.

You can help by:
💧 Limiting watering to 1–2 days per week
💧 Watering lawns only when needed – check soil moisture first
💧 Don’t set and forget your automatic irrigation system – adjust for actual conditions
💧 Watering early morning to reduce evaporation
💧 Cutting sprinkler run times in half (10 minutes vs. 20 minutes)
💧 Avoiding outdoor washing with hoses – don’t hose off driveways or walkways
💧 Checking your irrigation system for leaks
💧 Fixing broken sprinkler heads or ones that are overspraying and shooting water onto sidewalks or driveways

Please continue following the even/odd watering schedule in this graphic and avoid watering on Mondays due to high regional demand.

Big things are taking shape in Des Moines Water Works Park.Construction is beginning on Water Curia — a one-of-a-kind pu...
05/27/2026

Big things are taking shape in Des Moines Water Works Park.

Construction is beginning on Water Curia — a one-of-a-kind public art and environmental education pavilion envisioned by internationally acclaimed artist Jordan Weber and brought to life by the William G. Stowe Foundation.

Water Curia is designed to be an open-air classroom, gathering space and immersive learning experience focused on water, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Inspired by the natural underground filtration system beneath Water Works Park called the infiltration gallery, the installation will invite visitors of all ages to connect with the vital role water plays in our daily lives — through art, education and exploration.

We’re excited to see this project come to life in Des Moines Water Works Park. Construction is taking place on the south end of the Arie den Boer Arboretum just before the Ruan Connector.

Des Moines Water Works was proud to partner once again with Polk County Conservation and the Snapshot Water Monitoring P...
05/26/2026

Des Moines Water Works was proud to partner once again with Polk County Conservation and the Snapshot Water Monitoring Program this spring to help monitor and protect local waterways across Polk County.

Ninety-five volunteers participated in the Spring Snapshot event, collecting water quality data from 125 sites throughout the county. DMWW’s laboratory staff will conduct additional analyses of the 37 samples that were collected.

This event continues to grow each year, with many first-time volunteers joining longtime participants who have supported Snapshot monitoring efforts for more than a decade. The data collected helps provide a clearer picture of local water quality and supports ongoing watershed awareness and protection efforts throughout central Iowa.

Learn more: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/water-quality/

📷Photos courtesy of Ginny Malcomson, water quality coordinator with Polk County Conservation.

📅Save the date: Fall Snapshot will take place Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Our General Office is closed today for Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 26, at 8 a.m. Call 515-283-8700 for wat...
05/25/2026

Our General Office is closed today for Memorial Day and will reopen Tuesday, May 26, at 8 a.m. Call 515-283-8700 for water-related emergencies.

Many of you were correct: It’s Hazen Tower in Tower Park in Des Moines! Water towers are critical infrastructure because...
05/24/2026

Many of you were correct: It’s Hazen Tower in Tower Park in Des Moines!

Water towers are critical infrastructure because they store treated drinking water at an elevated height. This creates water pressure to help move water through the distribution system.

In addition, towers store reserve water, support fire protection and improve system efficiency and reliability.

This iconic landmark, constructed in 1930, will undergo rehabilitation this summer. Constructed in the Doric architecture style, it has 16 pillars and a 2-million-gallon storage tank. It was named for Allen Hazen, a New York engineer known for his pioneering work in water treatment.

Hot temperatures are on the way, but after a wet week and more rain in the forecast, your lawn may not need extra wateri...
05/23/2026

Hot temperatures are on the way, but after a wet week and more rain in the forecast, your lawn may not need extra watering just yet.

If you use an irrigation system, it’s important not to “set and forget.” Automatic sprinklers can continue running even when your yard has already received plenty of rainfall — wasting treated drinking water and potentially overwatering your lawn.

Before your system runs:
💧 Check recent rainfall totals
💧 Adjust or pause watering schedules as needed
💧 Watch the forecast
💧 Water only when your lawn truly needs it

A healthy lawn typically only needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Smart watering helps conserve water, reduces runoff and keeps your landscape healthy all summer long.

Did you know? Hydrant flushing helps clear sediment, minerals and stagnant water from water mains while restoring fresh ...
05/22/2026

Did you know? Hydrant flushing helps clear sediment, minerals and stagnant water from water mains while restoring fresh water flow throughout the distribution system.

It’s a critical part of maintaining water quality after repairs, which is why you might see the DMWW team out occasionally flushing a hydrant.

We maintain about 10,000 fire hydrants as part of our distribution system infrastructure. Reliable hydrants and strong water pressure are essential to fire protection for homes, businesses and neighborhoods across our community.

Keeping water moving is one of the many ways we protect public health and maintain reliable service every day.

There is a kayaking launch at Maffitt Reservoir. Paddle on some of the clearest water in central Iowa. Maffitt Reservoir...
05/21/2026

There is a kayaking launch at Maffitt Reservoir. Paddle on some of the clearest water in central Iowa.

Maffitt Reservoir's levels fluctuate throughout the year as it is used for treatment at the L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Plant to provide you with clean, reliable water.

Only non-motorized craft — kayaks, canoes and paddle boards — are allowed to help maintain this pristine environment. Permits are required and are available at Des Moines Water Works Customer Service during regular business hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 2201 George Flagg Parkway. Please note: Our office is closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Address

2201 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, IA
50321

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15152838700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Des Moines Water Works posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Des Moines Water Works:

Shortcuts

Share

Category