WRA board approves Des Moines wastewater treatment facility plan for future growth

The City of Des Moines is gearing up for significant infrastructure upgrades, as city officials outlined a comprehensive facility plan aimed at addressing the aging wastewater treatment plant and preparing for future growth. During a recent council budget discussion, it was revealed that the facility plan, approved by the WRA board in December, projects a staggering $500 million investment over the next decade to rehabilitate and expand the treatment plant, originally built in the mid-1980s.

City leaders emphasized the urgency of these upgrades, citing the need to accommodate both Des Moines and surrounding suburbs as they anticipate industrial growth. "We can't sit on our haunches and wait for this to happen. We have to be proactive," one official stated, highlighting the importance of being prepared for increased demand.

The facility plan includes a $250 million investment in the conveyance system, which is crucial for transporting wastewater. Officials noted that rehabilitating existing lines is more cost-effective than replacement, and they are also addressing capacity issues in the northwestern part of the collection system.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the city is implementing a nutrient reduction strategy, which includes a phosphorus recovery project. This initiative aims to extract phosphorus from wastewater, convert it into fertilizer, and generate nearly $1 million in revenue. However, concerns about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the waste stream were raised, with officials acknowledging the need for ongoing monitoring as the EPA prepares to introduce new testing requirements.

As Des Moines moves forward with these ambitious plans, city leaders are committed to ensuring that the wastewater treatment system meets regulatory standards while supporting community growth and environmental sustainability. The next steps will involve detailed planning and execution of the outlined projects, with an eye toward the future needs of the city and its residents.