Des Moines Water Works: Providing Central Iowa with Safe and Clean Water Since 1919
Be Part of the Next 100 Years
“Excellent speakers with quality information. This will help me be a much better citizen and advocate.”
– Patricia Prijatel, Drake Professor Emerita and health writer; Citizen Water Academy 2018 graduate
About the Academy
Ever a creative thinker, in 2017 the late William (Bill) G. Stowe, then-CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, returned from the West Coast with an idea gleaned from attending a water conference: engage, excite, and educate customers about their drinking water utility by launching a “citizen water academy."
While the challenges for Des Moines water are different than those of western United States, Bill recognized Central Iowa also has a need to better educate and engage the public that depends on us for safe and abundant drinking water.
The William G. Stowe Citizen Water Academy of Central Iowa is designed to help current and emerging leaders in our community learn and appreciate our most important natural resource - the water we depend on for life.
Bill was actively involved in curating the curriculum of the Citizen Water Academy, inviting and meeting with local and national experts in the areas of water management, conservation, and policy. Attendees receive 16 hours of instruction, tour multiple treatment plants operated by Des Moines Water Works, listen to presentations from soil and water professionals, and interact with Des Moines Water Works staff over the four sessions of this program. It was Bill's hope and the Academy's goal that participants not only have a better understanding of their local water utility but are also equipped to help lead the discussion on important water issues now and in the future.
Apply
Here
The William G. Stowe Citizen Water Academy is a free, four-session crash course about the history, use and management of water in Central Iowa and the Des Moines and Raccoon River Watersheds. The mission of the Academy is to create a network of emerging leaders who are knowledgeable and engaged in water issues.
Des Moines
Water Works
Des Moines Water Works is an independently operated, regional utility providing drinking water to approximately 600,000 people in Central Iowa. DMWW is the largest water utility in Iowa, among the largest 100 utilities in the country, and is recognized as an industry leader. Our goal is to deliver Water You Can Trust for Life.