July 27, 2026
Nitrate Removal Facility Concludes 193 Days of Operation; Customers Encouraged to Continue Everyday Water Conservation Practices
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 27, 2026) – The Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) Technical Committee met today and voted to return to everyday water stewardship, ending all mandatory and voluntary water use restrictions. The decision follows the conclusion of operations at the Nitrate Removal Facility, which ran for 193 days during the 2026 season before being taken offline on Thursday, July 23, 2026. With nitrate concentrations in all three raw water sources supplying the Fleur Drive Water Treatment Plant declining below the federal drinking water standard, the facility is no longer needed at this time.
The conclusion of nitrate removal operations also marks CIWW’s transition back to Stage 0 – Water Conservation under the regional Water Use Plan. While mandatory and voluntary water use restrictions have ended, CIWW encourages customers to continue practicing everyday water conservation habits that help ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for the region.
Customers are encouraged to:
- Follow the normal Even/Odd Lawn Watering Schedule
- Addresses ending in an even number: Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Addresses ending in an odd number: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- No lawn watering on Mondays
- Water only when landscapes need it and avoid watering during the heat of the day.
- Use efficient irrigation practices and repair leaks promptly.
- Continue using water wisely indoors by fixing dripping faucets, running full loads of laundry and dishes, and choosing water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
“The past several months have demonstrated what can be accomplished when an entire region works together,” said Tami Madsen, Executive Director of Central Iowa Water Works. “Our residents, member agencies, staff, elected officials, businesses, and members of the media all played an important role in helping manage water demand during one of the most challenging water quality and supply seasons our region has experienced. We are incredibly grateful for the public’s cooperation and commitment to conserving water.”
The Nitrate Removal Facility is a critical component of the region’s drinking water system, allowing CIWW to continue producing high-quality drinking water when nitrate concentrations in source waters become elevated. Although the facility is no longer operating, CIWW will continue to closely monitor river conditions, water quality, and regional water demands throughout the remainder of the year.
This summer underscored the importance of balancing investments in new water infrastructure with responsible water use. Central Iowa Water Works is advancing more than $1.2 billion in regional water infrastructure improvements designed to strengthen long-term water reliability while continuing to promote water conservation as an essential part of meeting future demand.
CIWW extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who supported regional conservation efforts this summer. The willingness of residents, businesses, industries, and government agencies to reduce water use helped preserve the region’s drinking water supply during a period of significant water quality challenges.
Water is one of central Iowa’s most valuable shared resources. By making wise water use part of everyday life, customers can help ensure a reliable, sustainable water supply for generations to come.
For more information about Central Iowa Water Works and everyday water conservation tips, visit www.ciww.gov.
Additional information about the Regional Water Shortage Plan and current water use guidance is available at www.ciww.gov.
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About Central Iowa Water Works
Founded in 2024 by 12 entities representing utilities, communities and rural providers, Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) is the regional authority responsible for drinking water treatment, water system planning and the wholesale delivery of water across urban, suburban and rural Central Iowa. Together, CIWW members serve more than 600,000 Iowans and distribute nearly 20 billion gallons of water each year.
The founding members of CIWW are the cities of Ankeny, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, and Waukee, Des Moines Water Works, Urbandale Water Utility, West Des Moines Water Works, Warren and Xenia water districts. These local water utilities, rural providers or city water departments remain the contact for new accounts, bill-paying, water distribution and customer service.