March2017:March2017 2/17/2017 2:45 PM Page 1
News & Updates from
Des Moines Water Works
MARCH 2017
THINK DOWNSTREAM
Water Pressure in Des Moines
T
he right water pressure is essential to your convenience and
safety. Water pressure is influenced by a number of factors,
including ground elevation, distance from the treatment plant
or pumping station, piping materials, and even water demand on
any given day. Ground elevation influences water pressure
because pressure is actually created by lifting water into the air
above the point of use. This is why water is pumped up into
water towers – to raise it above the point of use thereby creating
pressure. As a result of the influence that elevation has on water
pressure, higher elevations in a service area experience the lowest
pressures and lower elevations experience the highest pressures.
Ground elevations in Des Moines range from 800 feet above sea
level on the east side of the city near the Des Moines River, to
more than 970 feet above sea level in northwestern areas of the
city. This 170 feet of elevation difference represents a water
pressure variation of 75 pounds per square inch (psi). The
distance from the pumping station and changes in water demand
introduce additional pressure variation resulting in the potential for Allen Hazen Water Tower, located at 48th and Hickman Road.
significant pressure differences across the city. Des Moines Water
Works (DMWW) manages water pressure using pressure zones, water towers and booster pumping stations.
Des Moines is divided into four pressure zones. Each pressure zone has dedicated pumping stations that pump water into
the zone to maintain pressure. Water towers help stabilize pressure in some zones. Water flows into the towers during hours of
the day when there is less water demand and flows back out to satisfy higher demands. The combination of water from the
pumping station and water flowing out of the water tower acts to stabilize pressures in the zone.
Water pressure in the Des Moines system averages 50 psi, but ranges from 35 psi to more than 100 psi, depending on the
location in the city. Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees established a minimum system pressure in Des Moines of 35
psi. Plumbing code requires that residential properties in areas with water pressure in excess of 80 psi be protected by pressure
regulators installed on the water service lines.
Older, smaller diameter service lines or corroded service line components such as valves or couplings can cause low
pressure for some customers. Currently, DMWW Rules and Regulations require that new residential service lines be installed
using 1-inch diameter copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe. Historically, ¾-inch or even ½-inch pipe was used, and
in some cases the pipe was galvanized steel which is subject to corrosion when buried. Homes with smaller diameter service
lines, especially those with ½-inch galvanized pipe service lines, may experience low pressure due to restrictions in the pipe.
Galvanized steel pipe inside the home may also contribute to pressure problems as corrosion occurs on the inside of the pipes.
Customers who feel they may have pressure problems can visit with a customer service representative for more information
by calling (515) 283-8700.
2201 George Flagg Parkway | Des Moines, IA 50321 | (515) 283-8700 | www.dmww.com |
| dsmh2o.com
March2017:March2017 2/17/2017 2:45 PM Page 2
2017 Utility Goals
es Moines Water Works (DMWW) staff has identified areas of focus for the utility in the coming year, each of which is
believed to move the utility in the direction of greater efficiency, better security and planning, or improved employee
health. Quarterly updates will be reported to the Board of Water Works Trustees and published on www.dmww.com.
D
1
Customer: Develop a plan to implement a new billing and customer information system that offers enhanced customer
service offerings. Begin implementation in 2017, expected to conclude in 2018.
2
Technology: Ensure the security of electronic payments made by customers by implementing Payment Card Industry
(PCI) compliant payment solutions by June 30, 2017. These changes may include changes to fees and transaction
limits that will be communicated in advance to customers.
3
Financial: Contract an outside consultant to review DMWW’s approach to determining costs by service area (known as
the Cost of Service study, which is the basis for rate making decisions), evaluate recommended changes, and develop a
plan for implementing adopted changes.
4
Employee: Reduce employee OSHA recordable injuries to no more than 9, which is 75% of the industry average.
5
Planning: Complete long range planning and update the utility’s 5-year capital improvement plan to ensure a reliable,
abundant, and affordable water supply to the metro area through 2040.
6
Operations: Optimize operations at DMWW’s newest plant, Saylorville Water Treatment Plant, by designing and
installing additional Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes.
Make the Call Before You Dig!
o you have projects this spring or summer requiring digging in your yard? Be
sure to include the most important step in your project plans: Call 811 or
click www.iowaonecall.com before you dig. Iowa One Call services are FREE
and telephones are answered 24 hours a day. Utilities, including Des Moines Water
Works, have 48 hours after your request to locate any underground facilities they
have in the area and mark their location with flags or painted lines. After the
excavation area is marked, you will be able to avoid any underground services,
preventing a loss of vital services and added expenses for repairs.
Call 811 or click www.iowaonecall.com before you dig. It’s fast, it’s free, it’s the
law!
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