2022 Water Rates to take effect April 1

Infrastructure Street Sign-small The Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees has approved 2022 water rates to take effect April 1

In 2022, Des Moines Water Works customers’ rates and fees will pay for expenses tied to chemicals to treat source water and make it safe for drinking; removal of residuals left behind from the water treatment process; expansion of water treatment facilities; and exploration of new sources for water because of contaminated water sources.

For the average four-person household in Des Moines that uses 7,500 gallons of water a month, this will be an additional $1.20 per month for water charges on their bill.

The capital improvement fee will continue at 25 cents per 1,000 gallons for Des Moines customers with no increase for 2022. This fee is less for commercial and industrial customers – 17 cents and 13 cents, respectively, that use more than 150,000 gallons per month. A four-person household pays about $1.88 per month for the capital improvement fee, which is used, in part, to replace aging water mains. Monthly water availabilities remain unchanged.

The Board of Trustees will vote on the 2022 budget at its November meeting. For approval is a $79.4 million operating revenue budget for the utility. Proposed expenses are budgeted at $52.8 million, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2021. Two of the chemicals most used in the treatment process – lime and carbon – are expected to increase 8 percent from last year’s budget. Driver shortages across the industry are contributing to the volatility in chemical prices. Residual lime removal expenses are up almost $1.3 million. In 2022, 121,000 tons will need to be removed and taken to a final disposal site.

The 2022 proposed capital budget is $45.9 million and includes money to pay for $10.9 million in water main replacements in Des Moines, Windsor Heights and the unincorporated Polk County service area. Money is also budgeted to design an expansion at the Saylorville Treatment Plant, a new ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) well, and wells for water collection.