KCCI Investigates: $1.2 billion in Central Iowa Water Works projects coming, tell me about this news in (https://www.kcci.com/article/kcci-investigates-12-billion-in-central-iowa-water-works-projects-coming/73659187)

The report highlights a massive regional infrastructure plan totaling approximately $1.2 billion in planned capital improvement projects across Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) and its member utilities.Key details of the report and initiative include:

• Scope and Purpose: Central Iowa Water Worksformed as a unified drinking water authority among central Iowa utilities, including Des Moines Water Worksis coordinating roughly $1.2 billion in major long-term infrastructure upgrades. The initiative aims to modernize aging infrastructure, expand production capacity, and build system resilience across the Des Moines metro area and surrounding rural districts.
• Nitrate Removal & Treatment Upgrades: A major focus of the investment addresses recurring water quality challenges in source waters like the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Projects include expanding the nitrate removal facility at the Fleur Drive Water Treatment Plant and upgrading treatment technologies (such as reverse osmosis and advanced filtration).
• Treatment Plant Expansions: Key individual projects in the regional pipeline include expanding the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant (doubling capacity from 10 MGD to 20 MGD), upgrading the Grimes Water Treatment Plant, and planning a new treatment facility in Dallas County to meet high regional population growth.
• Transmission and Main Replacements: Substantial capital is also dedicated to replacing large-diameter water mains, updating pumping stations, and constructing new feeder mains to maintain water pressure and service standards across growing urban and suburban areas.
• State Funding and Timeline: While funded largely across member agency capital improvement programs and user rates over a multi-year horizon, the initiative is also supported by state-level investments, including a $25 million legislative grant dedicated toward doubling nitrate reduction capacity.