Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — The Central Iowa Water Works started running part of its nitrate removal facility last week for the first time in January in more than a decade.
University of Iowa Hydroscience & Engineering director Larry Weber says they monitor waterways across the state and this problem is not unique to the Des Moines facility.
Sensors in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers that are water sources for central Iowa have measured nitrate levels at or above the EPA’s threshold of 10 milligrams per liter.
Weber says the warmer weather is part of the reasons for the higher nitrate levels.
Central Iowa Water Works serves roughly 600,000 people in the Des Moines metro area.
KIWA Staff Stock Photo
