Central Iowa Water Works plans major expansion to meet future water demands

In a recent City Council Lunch & Learn meeting held on May 13, 2025, in Urbandale, significant discussions centered around the future of water treatment and infrastructure in Central Iowa. The meeting highlighted the critical need for regional collaboration to address water quality challenges and increasing demand for treated water.

Central Iowa Water Works, which serves a vast area and is supported by 12 founding entities, reported that the region currently treats approximately 125.5 million gallons of water daily. However, this capacity is often hampered by poor water quality, particularly during nitrate season, which can reduce treatment capacity by nearly 50%. This situation underscores the urgency for enhanced infrastructure to ensure reliable water supply and quality.

The meeting revealed that peak demand days can see usage soar to 8.2 million gallons, but projections indicate that by 2050, the region will need to treat up to 208.2 million gallons per day. To meet this future demand, plans are underway to expand existing facilities and construct new plants. Notably, the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant is set for expansion, and a new West plant is planned near Van Meter, with the request for qualifications (RFQ) for its design recently closed. The Grimes plant is also slated for expansion, with its RFQ expected to be awarded in the coming month.

The discussions emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling water resource challenges. As the community grows and water demands increase, the need for strategic planning and investment in water infrastructure becomes paramount. The Central Iowa Water Works aims to build a resilient system that can adapt to future challenges while ensuring the community's water needs are met.

As the council moves forward, the next steps will involve awarding contracts for the new plant designs and continuing to develop strategies for sustainable water management. The outcomes of these initiatives will be crucial for the region's long-term water security and quality.