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Central Iowa Water Works introduces executive director, outlines five‑year plan and plant alternatives
Summary
Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) representatives updated Norwalk council on formation, governance, budget and long‑range options for treatment capacity; Tammy Madsen was introduced as CIWW’s new executive director.
Representatives from Central Iowa Water Works updated the Norwalk City Council Thursday on the new regional water utility’s organizational steps, budget and long‑range facility options, and introduced Tammy Madsen as the agency’s executive director.
Jody Smith, speaking on behalf of CIWW, said the nonprofit utility recently filed formation documents with the Iowa Secretary of State, held its first board meeting in April and now includes multiple member entities; Norwalk has board representation through the mayor and an alternate. Smith said the board adopted initial policies, retained legal and financial advisors, and accepted assets and certain debt from participating utilities as called for in the founding plan.
Smith told council CIWW approved a five‑year average flow that drives the budget and adopted a first‑year budget of about $67.5 million. The board authorized transfer of about $70 million in state revolving loan debt from member utilities to CIWW as part of the asset and debt consolidation process described in the organization’s plan.
On facility planning, Smith said CIWW contracted HDR to synthesize long‑range plans from Des Moines Water Works, West Des Moines Water Works, Grimes and a multi‑city study. HDR and the technical committee recommended a preferred alternative that would include a new reverse‑osmosis (RO) plant sited near Van Meter, at a cost roughly $50 million higher than expanding the existing McMullen lime‑softening plant by an additional 10 million gallons per day. The RO option was favored because it would address nitrate concerns in Raccoon River source water that lime softening would not, Smith said.
Smith said the board is working through design recommendations, expects additional dialogue in December and January, and will decide whether to adopt HDR’s preferred plan or pursue alternatives.
Tammy Madsen, the new executive director, said she began work Nov. 18 after a nationwide search and previously led a multi‑member water supply authority in North Dakota. Madsen said her prior authority had operated successfully for 10 years and she looks forward to coordinating member entities, debt consolidation and system interconnections to get CIWW operating as planned.
Council members thanked CIWW representatives and welcomed Madsen. No council action was required; the presentation was informational.
Ending: CIWW staff said they will return with further planning materials and recommendations after additional technical committee review and HDR refinement.
