Area water utility managers are taking a step back from a proposal to build a regional water plant, moving instead to promote informal cooperation through a technical advisory committee first.

Bill Stowe, general manager and CEO of Des Moines Water Works, said the proposed Central Iowa Water Works would mean steep increases in water bills for some suburbs, but also would add suburban representation to a water operation that now serves 500,000 customers in the area but has only Des Moines residents on its board.

Stowe said the Central Iowa Regional Drinking Water Commission, which now represents local water utilities, has decided to form a technical committee to evaluate a consultant’s report on a regional water system and plan for cost-effective service in the future. The technical committee will meet at 10 a.m. Aug. 7 in the Des Moines Water Works boardroom.

The broader discussion came after Urbandale began a study on building its own water plant. That raised a question over whether the area would be better served by one water utility.

Stowe said establishing a technical advisory committee will be a good first step in getting the suburbs more representation, and may clear the way for more serious discussion of a regional plant. He repeated his view that the suburbs, now paying discounted water rates, will face much higher charges from Des Moines Water Works when their contracts expire, and for any expansion of the existing system.

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MEMBER EXCLUSIVE CONTENT Tapping regional cooperation   Central Iowa water providers are beginning debate about forming a joint utility. What does it mean for Des Moines and surrounding cities?Read more

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