DMWW obtains water from the Raccoon River and groundwater under the influence of it. Unfortunately, the Raccoon River has the highest average nitrate concentration of any of the 42 largest tributaries in the Mississippi River Basin. DMWW removes nitrate from the water by operating its nitrate removal facility, the largest of its kind in the world. This keeps nitrate-nitrogen levels below 10 mg/L, the EPA limit for safe water.

Thanks to a cooperative project between DMWW, IA Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA), you can get up-to-the-minute nitrate readings in the Raccoon River. A remote monitoring device has been installed near the Van Meter bridge, just downstream from the confluence of the North, Middle, and South branches of the Raccoon. This location has scientific importance because nitrate readings can be evaluated along with USGS flow data, for which there is nearly a 100-year record. This is also the beginning of the stretch of the river defined as “impaired” for nitrate. ACWA and IDNR paid for the nitrate monitor, while DMWW and USGS installed and are maintaining the location. You can obtain the nitrate reading by going to this web address: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/uv/?site_no=05484500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. Check the nitrate box and then hit go, and you have it. Advanced Water Quality Link.

Safe drinking water is treated water that has been tested for harmful and potentially harmful substances and has met or exceeded drinking water quality standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Iowa . The EPA sets drinking water standards to define the limits of contaminants considered safe for drinking water. These levels are based on studies of the health effects associated with each contaminant and include a sufficient safety margin to ensure that water meeting these standards is safe for nearly everyone to drink. Safe drinking water supplied by Des Moines Water Works meets or surpasses the EPA water quality standards. The water supplied by Des Moines Water Works is designed to be healthful and stay healthful from the time it leaves the treatment facility, through the plumbing system, and out of your tap. Immuno-compromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, persons with HIV / AIDS or other immuno systems disorders, and elderly persons may want to discuss their drinking water concerns with their health care provider.