Central Iowa Water Works shuts down nitrate removal system after record usage

Central Iowa Water Works has shut down its nitrate removal facility after 193 straight days of operation, citing low nitrate levels in water sources, and lifted all voluntary water restrictions.

Preston Underwood, a West Des Moines resident, said he is pleased with the progress.

“I’m happy it happened because I don’t think there’s a need to spend so much money removing nitrates. So the fact that we can back off on that and keep rates down is it’s important to me,” Underwood said.

Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works, confirmed the decision to lift restrictions and shut down the nitrate removal plant, which had been running for about six months — a record for the facility.

“So today all of the voluntary restrictions have been lifted. And we can go back to watering our lawns,” Madsen said.

She also expressed optimism about the current state of water production.

“We are really excited that we are finally back to a point to where our source waters are all three below 10mg/l, and we are back to full production at our plants,” Madsen said.

Despite the shutdown, Madsen encouraged customers to continue conserving water by avoiding overwatering lawns, ensuring sprinklers are aimed correctly, and only running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines. She noted uncertainty about how long low nitrate levels will persist in area rivers but reassured customers about the safety of their drinking water.

“In 30 years, we have not exceeded the nitrate standard. And we’re going to continue to do that,” Madsen said.

Central Iowa Water Works will also proceed with plans to expand the nitrate removal system, a project estimated to cost more than $25 million.