WRA Approves Updated Agreement with Metro Communities, Renews Operating Contract with City of Des Moines

"The WRA, in its current form, has enhanced water quality and protected public health in central Iowa for more than two decades," said WRA Director Scott Hutchens. "The key provisions in this agreement use that experience to improve upon several governing processes, ensuring continued success and growth for the WRA and its member communities."

The updated agreement introduces broader participation mechanisms for member communities, clarified policies regarding asset and project classification and maintains a more balanced governance structure than the prior version. It also increases the WRA's debt limit from $675 million to $975 million and ensures continued compliance with Iowa code-specifically in regard to transparency and the identification of funding sources for capital projects.

The WRA Board also approved renewing its operating contract with the City of Des Moines, which provides operation, maintenance and management services for the WRA and its more than 100 employees.

"Much of what the men and women of the WRA do goes unnoticed by the broader public," said City of Des Moines Public Works Director Jonathan Gano, "but the impact they have upon the health and safety of our growing communities cannot be overstated."

While its main facility is in Des Moines and the City serves as its operating contractor, the WRA boasts a sewer system spanning over 160 miles, with infrastructure present in all 18 member communities across central Iowa.

"The WRA is a prime example of regional collaboration toward a common goal," said Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders. "This continued partnership between the dedicated team at the WRA and Des Moines Metro communities secures a brighter, healthier future for our residents and the environment they live in."

Earlier this year, the WRA also approved an update to its long-term Facility Plan, with over $1 billion in planned projects and improvements to its treatment facility and conveyance system through 2045.

"The Des Moines Metro continues to enjoy tremendous growth in residential, entertainment, business and industrial sectors," said WRA Board Chair Michael McCoy. "With this updated agreement, the WRA can confidently continue its work to facilitate that growth by working with its members and maintaining the highest standards of wastewater treatment and resource recovery."

Residents of WRA member communities-listed below-can learn more about the award-winning utility's treatment process and more at DMMWRA.org.

WRA Service Area Member Communities

• Ankeny
• Altoona
• Bondurant
• Clive
• Cumming
• Des Moines
• Greenfield Plaza Sanitary Sewer District
• Grimes
• Johnston
• Norwalk
• Pleasant Hill
• Polk City
• Polk County
• Urbandale Sanitary Sewer District
• Urbandale-Windsor Heights Sanitary Sewer District
• Warren County
• Waukee
• West Des Moines

Contact
Youssef Ghazali
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 979-9276
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines

The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

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