Infrastructure
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a leader in developing sustainable infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapidly growing business economy. It’s one of the reasons why companies are finding success in DSM. A robust transportation network, affordable and sustainable utilities and reliable telecommunications mean your business can rely on the services it needs to function and thrive. The Greater Des Moines Partnership and other regional entities understand the importance of strong connectivity and work together to advocate for the vitality of DSM’s infrastructure. These utilities help DSM maintain and secure its business infrastructure while keeping costs low.
Water | Wastewater Treatment | Telecommunications
Electric | Renewable Energy
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) plays a key role in providing a safe, reliable and cost-effective water supply. DMWW is an independently operated public utility that provides drinking water to more than 500,000 people in the region, either directly or by supplying water on a wholesale basis to most communities in the region. DMWW operates three treatment plants with a combined reliable capacity of 110 million gallons per day (mgd). The average day demand is 46 mgd with a peak day demand of 96 mgd. DMWW has exceptional source water redundancy with the ability to draw water from both the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, in addition to a series of eight radial collector wells and a groundwater supply along the Raccoon River in Water Works Park.
The utility also has off-river storage at Maffitt Reservoir that has greater source reliability during high-nitrate and river flooding periods. In case of drought, DMWW has access to five billion gallons of water stored in Saylorville Reservoir, which is nearly 30% of what is used in a year.
Additionally, DMWW has developed a series of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells to serve the region. These wells have a total capacity of 15 mgd and a water storage capacity of 1.5 billion gallons to offset peak water use during traditionally high-consumption periods or for use in the event of emergency water supply needs.
DMWW demonstrates a commitment to proactively planning to ensure all infrastructure is reliably maintained and there is capacity to meet the needs of new industrial/commercial facilities, including leading a regional approach to developing water production facilities.
Communities not receiving water from DMWW are served by municipal wells. For more information on water management in the region, visit DMWW's website.
The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) is a 50 mgd wastewater treatment facility that can treat a peak flow of 200 mgd. More than a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, it represents long-term commitment and cooperation by the citizens of DSM to protect the state’s natural resources.
In response to water quality standards, numerous cities in the region have joined together as the Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA). The WRA owns and operates interceptor wastewater treatment facilities, equalization basins and lift stations, linking the communities and the WRF. Outlying communities operate city-owned water pollution control facilities designed to service a growing population and industrial/commercial base.
To learn more about waste management services in DSM, visit WRA's website.
State-of-the-art telecommunications capability is in place throughout the region with multiple providers of fiber optic and long-distance services. DSM businesses find it easy to meet their telecommunications needs in a cost-effective manner.
In 2021, The Partnership released the results of the Central Iowa Broadband Internet Study. The Study covered 11 counties in the region with a goal to create a framework under which governments, the public and providers can align in new and innovative ways to create solutions to the digital divide present in Central Iowa. The Study was produced by HR Green in partnership with Bâton Global, SmartSource Consulting and Kielkopf Advisory Services. To learn more, contact Stacie LoVan.
DSM offers competitive, stable and reliable electric energy provided by MidAmerican Energy Company, Alliant Energy and local municipal utilities. On average, area electric providers can offer electric rates to industrial customers at 6.35 cents per kilowatt hour. These low electric rates, coupled with our knowledgeable IT workforce, relative safety from natural disasters and large water supply, make the area a prime location for data centers.
Regional providers are committed to expanding renewable energy efforts. Since 2004, MidAmerican Energy has invested $14 billion in renewable energy and currently owns 5.9% of total U.S. wind capacity. They are leading the nation in their quest to provide 100% renewable energy to their customers through the GreenAdvantage® program.
Launched in 2017, the first-of-its-kind MidAmerican Energy GreenAdvantage® program proves Iowa's commitment to locally produced renewable resources and helps companies build and maintain a sustainable business in Iowa at no additional net cost. The GreenAdvantage® program allows Iowa customers to quantify a verified amount of renewable energy that was delivered to them. In 2021, that amounted to 88%. The Iowa Utilities Board verifies the amount on an annual basis.
Alliant Energy is also making major investments in renewable energy with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% from 2005 – 2030. They recently completed the addition of 1,000 MW of wind energy. Alliant is currently working to add 400 MW of solar energy in Iowa and 75 MW of battery energy storage.