Central Iowa Water Works Becomes Official Entity with State of Iowa

CIWW Board to Meet, Celebrate Creation of Regional Drinking Water Authority

DES MOINES – The new cooperative regional drinking water authority, Central Iowa Water Works, has been established as an official entity by filing its fully executed 28E-28F Agreement with the Iowa Secretary of State.

The concept for Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) has been in development for more than a decade and involved communities from across the metro including three board-governed utilities, two rural water systems, and seven municipal water departments. The formation of CIWW will enable a stronger water production system for the region now and into the future through shared governance and collaboration.

After several years of development and negotiation of the intergovernmental agreement that is now on file, CIWW’s governing board will meet for the first time at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.

There will be a press event and photo opportunity at 2:30 p.m. April 24, prior to the CIWW Board meeting. The event will be at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., in West Des Moines.

The 12 founding members that have formed CIWW are Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines Water Works, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, Urbandale Water Utility, Warren Water District, Waukee, West Des Moines Water Works and Xenia Rural Water District. Des Moines Water Works also represents its seven total service customers, which includes the communities of Pleasant Hill and Windsor Heights.

“Given the increasing pressure of workforce issues, regulatory activity and other economic conditions, regionalization and collaboration within the water service industry is an absolute necessity,” said Tracy Mehan, Executive Director for Government Affairs with the American Water Works Association. “It is a necessary step needed to provide safe water at affordable prices for ratepayers. Congratulations to Central Iowa Water Works.”

The Board’s initial work includes selecting officers, establishing the organization’s administrative functions, hiring an executive director, setting policies, and developing a long-range regional plan for water production. Once CIWW is up and running, the board will be responsible for water system planning, drinking water production and wholesale delivery of water to members. Among CIWW’s first priorities are a pending expansion at the Saylorville Water Treatment Plant north of Des Moines and source water development planning for the metro to ensure water capacity for the region’s future growth.

For more information, contact:

Melissa Walker, Des Moines Water Works Communications and Outreach Managermwalker@dmww.com or 515-283-8706

Jamie Buelt, Media and Communications, West Des Moines Water Worksjbuelt@enqstrategies.com or 360-961-0096

About Central Iowa Water Works

Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) is a cooperative regional authority responsible for water system planning, drinking water treatment, and wholesale delivery of drinking water to Central Iowa (approximately 600,000 people). CIWW’s members are the communities, utilities, and rural water agencies of Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines Water Works, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, Urbandale Water Utility, Warren Water District, Waukee, West Des Moines Water Works and Xenia Rural Water District.