Norwalk City Council approves irrigation meter connection for Echo Valley Golf Course

The Norwalk City Council convened on April 17, 2025, to address critical issues affecting the community, including water management and utility rate adjustments. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by drought conditions and the city's efforts to optimize water usage while managing costs.

A significant topic of discussion was the proposal to release the Echo Valley Golf Course's irrigation meter to Des Moines Water Works. This decision stems from several years of severe drought that forced the golf course to rely on a backup irrigation system, leading to increased water bills and higher peak demand on Norwalk's water supply. By connecting directly to Des Moines Water Works, Echo Valley aims to mitigate these costs and reduce the strain on Norwalk's water system. The council unanimously approved the motion to authorize the city manager to send a letter to Des Moines Water Works, facilitating this connection.

The council also discussed the implications of this decision on Norwalk's water management strategy. The transition to Des Moines Water Works is expected to alleviate pressure on the city's water supply, particularly during peak usage times. While this move may result in a loss of approximately $15,000 in annual revenue from Echo Valley, the overall benefits of reduced peak demand and lower operational costs were deemed favorable.

In addition to the irrigation meter discussion, the council reviewed proposed increases in utility rates across several services, including water, sewer, and garbage collection. The proposed water rate increase of 6% over the next four years is primarily driven by the construction of a new water tower and the city's buy-in to Central Iowa Water Works. The council emphasized the need for these adjustments to ensure the sustainability of water services amid rising operational costs.

The sewer and stormwater rates are also set to increase, with a proposed 3% rise for sewer services and a modest increase for stormwater management. These adjustments reflect the city's commitment to maintaining and improving its infrastructure in response to growing community needs.

The council's discussions underscored the importance of proactive water management strategies in light of ongoing drought conditions and the necessity of adjusting utility rates to align with rising costs. As Norwalk continues to navigate these challenges, the decisions made during this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the city's water management policies and financial sustainability moving forward.