Iowa American Water Details Source Water Protection

Iowa American Water has outlined its source water protection work in recognition of the American Water Works Association’s Annual Source Water Protection Week, September 27 to October 3. The utility serves approximately 225,000 people in Iowa and has identified several harmful algae blooms in recent years through routine monitoring at its Davenport water treatment plant. Parent company American Water conducts nearly 1 million tests and measurements each year at its research laboratories. Iowa American Water’s program combines monitoring, treatment readiness, emergency planning and coordination with agencies and industry groups.

Monitoring Mississippi River Conditions

Iowa American Water monitors source water conditions and can adjust treatment when needed. Harmful algae blooms can develop seasonally in rivers and may affect water quality if they are not addressed. Although historically uncommon in the Mississippi River, the utility has identified several blooms in recent years through routine monitoring at its Davenport plant.

Brad Nielsen, Iowa American Water President, said:

“Protecting our source water is the first step in providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water. Keeping our rivers, lakes and groundwater free from pollution reduces potential risks that could negatively impact the water supply and keeps treatment costs down.”

Coordinated Protection Measures

American Water’s Source Water Protection Program provides a framework for assessing risks, engaging stakeholders and taking proactive measures to safeguard drinking water supplies. Iowa American Water cited monitoring systems, filtration processes, emergency-response planning and work with water experts and utilities across the country among its source water measures.

The utility also works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants. It collaborates with local emergency management and industry leaders to keep emergency response plans in place for potential impacts to water sources.

Ted Kratschmer, Iowa American Water Source Water Protection Program Manager, said:

“Source water protection is a year-round effort that requires community collaboration. Source water protection at Iowa American Water is not just a plan sitting on a shelf. We take a proactive approach, engaging in regional efforts to help protect and improve our drinking water sources; however, we all play a role in safeguarding our water.”

Actions Beyond Utility Operations

During Source Water Protection Week, Iowa American Water encouraged residents and businesses to use permeable landscaping materials, avoid applying plant chemicals immediately before rain, and keep litter, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains. The company also encouraged less-toxic household product choices and proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paints, motor oil and batteries.

The company has published case studies on its source water protection efforts, covering operational readiness, technology, partnerships and emerging issues across its service areas.

Preparedness At Davenport

For Iowa American Water, source water protection includes identifying potential water-quality concerns and maintaining plans to respond. At the Davenport treatment plant, routine monitoring, trained employees and established response plans allow the utility to adjust treatment when harmful algae blooms are detected and continue providing water to customers.