Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Complaint Chapel Ridge topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident alleges tap-water contamination at Chapel Ridge; city says initial tests show no citywide water failure
Summary
A West Des Moines resident told the council that water at a Chapel Ridge property contained multiple contaminants and left her homeless; city officials said they have been in contact and that a prior test of the Chapel Ridge water sample returned no indication of contamination at the city supply.
A resident who identified herself as Catherine D'Angelis told the West Des Moines City Council on Aug. 18 that she believes water at the Chapel Ridge property where she lived was contaminated by multiple chemicals and that the condition damaged her health and housing stability.
What she told the council: D'Angelis, who used the name Katie in the meeting, said she had tests done that identified seven chemicals including lead and that she developed medical problems she attributed to the water. She said she stopped paying rent to force a court review of the matter, which led to an eviction and loss of Section 8 housing assistance; she described herself as homeless and asked the city for help. “I've been through hell for 2 years,” she said.
City response at the meeting: Council members and staff asked for clarification whether the complaint referred to city-supplied water or water at a specific property. A city official told the council that staff had been in contact with a resident who provided water samples and that the Chapel Ridge sample “tested out fine.” The council asked the resident to leave copies of test results with staff so the city can review them further.
Why it matters: The resident alleges impairment of health and loss of housing tied to water quality at a private property. City staff emphasized that the municipal water system is regulated and tested daily under state and federal standards but that property-level plumbing and private wells can have separate issues that require targeted investigation.
Next steps and limitations: Council members directed the resident to work with the city departments engaged in human services and code compliance; staff confirmed they would review any test results the resident provides. No formal city action (litigation, fines or emergency condemnation) was taken at the meeting.
Ending: City officials said they would continue to coordinate with the resident and appropriate departments; the council asked that any laboratory reports be left with staff for review.
