Des Moines Water and Elevated Nitrates This Winter: What Residents Should Know

This winter is shaping up to be another year of unusually high nitrate levels in the water sources that supply much of the Des Moines area. Central Iowa Water Works, which provides drinking water to roughly 600,000 people in the metro region, has already activated its nitrate removal facility for January — a rare occurrence not seen in more than a decade. This facility helps lower nitrate levels before water is treated and distributed, ensuring that the final product meets federal safety standards.

Why Are Nitrate Levels Elevated Now?

University of Iowa scientists note that nitrate concentrations in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers have been unseasonably high this winter, even though conditions like drought and warmer weather would typically reduce nitrate mobility in colder months. One reason is that warmer soil and lack of complete ground frost allow nitrate-rich soil water to continue flowing into waterways through tile drainage systems. This leads to higher river concentrations of nitrates than would normally be expected in January.

This trend matters because nitrate levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) — the federal maximum contaminant level for drinking water — can pose health risks, particularly for infants under six months of age. Exposure above this level can lead to nitrite formation in the body, which interferes with oxygen transport in the bloodstream and can result in serious illness.

What This Means for Des Moines Water

Central Iowa Water Works treats source water to keep nitrate levels below the legal limit before it is distributed to homes. While treated drinking water continues to meet EPA safety standards, the unusually early and elevated nitrate readings in source water are worth noting and understanding.

Historically, nitrate concentration trends have fluctuated with weather, agricultural runoff, and watershed conditions. Past years have shown extended periods of elevated nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers going into winter and through late fall, suggesting that this is a recurring regional challenge rather than an isolated event.

Nitrates and Your Home’s Water Quality

For most residents, tap water remains safe to drink because of rigorous treatment at the utility level. However, the fact that nitrate levels can be high before treatment highlights how much variation can exist in source water quality, day by day or season to season.

This is one reason why homeowners increasingly choose additional water quality measures such as in-home testing, water softening, and whole-home filtration solutions. These systems can help reduce exposure to contaminants that might still be present after standard municipal treatment and can improve the overall experience of water at every tap.

A Practical Step: Water Testing

Advanced Plumbing proudly serves homeowners throughout Des Moines and surrounding Central Iowa communities. If you are concerned about nitrate levels or want added peace of mind about your drinking water, our team can help you schedule a water test and explore whole-home filtration solutions designed for local water conditions.

If you have not had your home’s water tested recently, especially for nitrates and other common agricultural runoff indicators, it could be a valuable first step. A professional water test gives you clear, science-based information about what your household water contains and whether specific filtration or treatment technologies might be appropriate for your needs.

How Advanced Plumbing Can Help

We encourage all Central Iowa residents to educate themselves by reviewing the available water quality data and to take proactive steps in their own homes. Whether it is discussing the results of a water test, exploring whole-home filtration systems, or evaluating reverse osmosis solutions under the sink, we are here to help.

Water conditions can change with weather, seasons, and agricultural cycles. This year’s winter nitrate levels serve as a reminder that staying informed and prepared is key to maintaining cleaner, healthier water in your home.

Consider reaching out to Advanced Plumbing to schedule a water quality test or talk through filtration options that fit your household and lifestyle. With spring approaching, it’s a great time to think ahead about how to improve water quality throughout your home.