The New Era Of Des Moines Water Works: 5 Critical Updates On PFAS, Leadership, And The Battle For Clean Water

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), the largest drinking water utility in Iowa, is navigating a period of significant change and high-stakes challenges as of late 2025. From a major leadership transition and a multi-million dollar settlement recovery to the ongoing battle against source water contamination and drought, the utility remains at the epicenter of Iowa’s most pressing environmental and infrastructure issues. This article provides a deep dive into the five most critical, up-to-date developments shaping the future of water for the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan area.

The utility's proactive stance on water quality and infrastructure improvements, even while facing environmental headwinds like drought and agricultural runoff, underscores its commitment to the over 500,000 customers it serves. The current date, December 15, 2025, finds DMWW focused on infrastructure modernization, financial stability, and maintaining safe drinking water standards amidst a changing climate and regulatory landscape.

The New Guard: Amy Kahler Takes the Helm and Key DMWW Entities

A major shift in leadership marks a new chapter for Des Moines Water Works. The DMWW Board of Trustees announced the selection of a new Chief Executive Officer and General Manager. This transition is a pivotal moment for the utility as it tackles complex issues like infrastructure aging, environmental litigation, and rate management.

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Biography and Key Personnel

• New CEO & General Manager: Amy Kahler.
• Previous Role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Des Moines Water Works.
• Predecessor: Ted Corrigan, who retired after 35 years of service to the utility.
• Governing Body: DMWW Board of Trustees, currently chaired by Ms. Diane Munns.
• Service Area: Greater Des Moines Metropolitan area and surrounding communities in Central Iowa.
• Key Infrastructure: Two primary source water rivers (Des Moines River and Raccoon River), and the DMWW Nitrate Removal Facility, one of the largest of its kind globally.

Amy Kahler’s appointment from within the organization, having served as CFO, signals a focus on financial prudence and strategic planning as the utility embarks on costly infrastructure projects and manages potential rate adjustments. Her leadership comes at a time when DMWW's total assets stood at a robust $556.7 million at the end of December 2024, reflecting the massive scale of the public utility's operations.

A Multi-Million Dollar Victory: The PFAS Settlement Recovery

One of the most significant financial and public health announcements for DMWW in recent times is the recovery in the massive 3M settlement regarding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals" have been a growing concern for water utilities nationwide.

Des Moines Water Works confirmed it will be awarded a portion of the landmark 3M settlement.

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This recovery is a crucial step for the utility for several reasons:

• Water Safety Reaffirmed: The official announcement from DMWW reaffirmed the safety of the drinking water, assuring customers that the utility is actively addressing the threat of PFAS contamination.
• Financial Relief: The settlement funds provide a financial cushion that can be used to offset future costs associated with monitoring, testing, and potentially treating for PFAS, ensuring that the burden does not fall solely on ratepayers.
• Environmental Litigation Success: This outcome highlights the utility’s successful engagement in environmental litigation to hold polluters accountable for water contamination, a similar tactic used in the past for the high-profile nitrate lawsuit.

The focus on PFAS, alongside the perennial issue of nitrate, demonstrates the complex and multi-faceted challenges faced by modern water utilities in protecting their source water. The Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW), which includes DMWW, is also receiving similar settlements, emphasizing a regional effort against these contaminants.

The Unresolved Nitrate Crisis: Lawsuit Dismissal and Drought Impact

The long-running, highly publicized controversy surrounding agricultural runoff and nitrate contamination in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers reached a critical, though disappointing, legal conclusion for DMWW. The utility's lawsuit against drainage districts in three northern Iowa counties—Buena Vista, Calhoun, and Sac—was ultimately dismissed by a federal judge.

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The core of the legal challenge was DMWW’s claim that the drainage districts were funneling high concentrations of nitrate, a byproduct of agricultural fertilizer, into the source water. The dismissal was based on the court's ruling that the Drainage Districts possess immunity under state law and lacked the regulatory power to control farmer nitrate use within their boundaries.

This legal setback means DMWW must continue to rely heavily on its operational and financial resources to manage nitrate levels, primarily through its expensive Nitrate Removal Facility. The ongoing costs of partial nitrate removal remain a significant financial pressure point for the utility and its customers.

Drought-Induced Water Shortage Plan

Compounding the nitrate issue is the persistent threat of drought. The Des Moines area has recently experienced record-breaking low river levels, forcing DMWW to implement its Water Shortage Plan.

• Stage 1 Implementation: DMWW initiated Stage 1 of the plan due to drought-induced low flows in the Des Moines River and Raccoon River.
• Conservation Efforts: This action was mirrored by Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW), which issued a voluntary 25 percent reduction in lawn watering, urging residents to practice water conservation.
• Operational Strain: Low river levels not only reduce the available water supply but can also concentrate contaminants like nitrate, placing extra strain on the water treatment process.

Infrastructure Modernization and Future Rates

Despite the environmental and legal hurdles, DMWW is making substantial investments in modernizing its infrastructure, a crucial step for long-term water security. Simultaneously, the utility is preparing for necessary adjustments to its rate structure.

Lead Service Line Replacement Program

In a major public health initiative, DMWW is moving forward with a significant Lead Service Line Replacement program. The "Drake project" represents the first phase of a larger $12.1 million program aimed at replacing up to 1,000 lead service lines in Des Moines. This project is vital for eliminating a known source of lead exposure, particularly in older homes, and ensuring compliance with federal health standards.

Proposed 2026 Water Rates and Rate Structure Change

To fund ongoing operations, capital improvements, and address inflation, the DMWW Board of Trustees is actively reviewing its financial structure. A public hearing on the proposed 2026 water rates is scheduled for October 21, 2025.

Furthermore, the Board is considering a significant change in the rate structure for residential customers, which would be effective for 2025 water rates.

This review is a critical process, balancing the need for affordable water against the substantial costs of maintaining a complex system, investing in new infrastructure like the lead line replacement, and managing the operational expenses of advanced treatment, such as the nitrate removal facility. The outcome will directly impact residential and commercial customers across the Greater Des Moines service area and will be a key indicator of the utility's financial strategy under the new leadership of CEO Amy Kahler.