Increased water demand from population growth in the greater Des Moines area, and not increased nitrate levels, is the main reason that the Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) needs to improve its aging infrastructure, according to a new report by the Iowa Partnership for Clean Water (IPCW).

The IPCW commissioned L.D. McMullen, the former CEO of the DMWW, to review the water supplier’s $241 million capital improvement plan, which is expected to have a significant impact on water rates.

The white paper was designed to explore the most appropriate and cost-effective infrastructure solutions for the DMWW moving forward.

McMullen said the need for capital improvements is being driven primarily by infrastructure...