Wastewater Of Over 500,000 Iowans Being Tested For Covid-19 And Variants

The DMMWRA is participating in a national program to test wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 to better track outbreaks and variants.

The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (DMMWRA) is now participating in a national study of wastewater that is tracking the presence and concentration of COVID-19 and its variants by testing wastewater samples from across the country...

WRA Employees Volunteer with Habitat for Humanities

A group of WRA employees used their Volunteer Time Off for the year to build a wheelchair accessible ramp at a residence in Des Moines - a project coordinated by the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanities.

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'Fatberg' fight: Congress takes plunge on flushable wipes

If you've followed the WRA, you've heard us say this before: don't flush the so-called "flushable wipes." Now a major development as Congress is wading into the issue causing fatbergs around the nation.

Now Congress is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the marketing claims behind flushable wipes as well as calling on the EPA to investigate the issue. Learn more about the Congressional actions here or for more information on what not ...

Des Moines WRA Recognized with National Award

We are proud to announce that the the Des Moines WRA team has been selected to receive an Excellence in Management Gold Recognition from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

This honor celebrates our commitment to sustainable, successful programs that exemplify the attributes of an effectively managed utility.

This was a recognition earned by hard work from our entire staff and leadership every day. 

It takes a lot of ...

Confined Space Rescue Team Training Event

Our confined spaces rescue team was out training in Building 30 practicing raising and lowering both rescue team members and victims so the WRA team can expedite rescues in potentially dangerous situations.

The Confined Spaces Rescue Team was doing exercises that focused on rescuing entrants from confined spaces. The reality is, permit required confined spaces are dangerous and per OSHA requirements we have a team trained to rescue entrants should an emergen...

EPA Administrator Michael Regan Tours WRA Facility

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan toured the WRF and discussed measures that the WRA is taking to invest in sustainability for the future. See more of what they discussed in the video below.

Regan toured the Biogas processing building as well as the CSSSF facility and had a discussion with WRA and local leaders.

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Ingersoll Run Project Details

Learn more about the planned Ingersoll Run construction project timeline and the street closures that will affect traffic around the project.

The planned route for this project has been established and any adjustments to the alignment, other than what is included in the attached Exhibits, will likely not be possible. Events will need to be adjusted to avoid and/or to circumnavigate the project ...

Don't Flush Wipes Down the Pipes

As we continue to navigate the unprecedented times of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, from a wastewater treatment facility's perspective, we want to remind you to only flush the three Ps.

Wipes, although they may say flushable, are not and can clog your pipes. There are several other household items that are often considered okay to flush but there are truly only three items that should go down your toilet. Those are pee, poop and toilet p...

WRA Gets Into Renewable Natural Gas Business, To Turn Waste Into Millions Annually

The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority’s efforts to produce renewable fuel is now complete.

The WRA has spent multiple years and millions of dollars upgrading its facilities to create a renewable natural gas from one of its wastewater treatment processes. The facility takes a gas produced from a biological process, cleans up the gas by removing ...

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to our recent Apprenticeship Graduates

Cody Graeve, Ron Ammons, Mike Neal and Brian Olson recently completed and graduated from our apprenticeship program. 

This group of apprentices started their career at the WRF in 2017. All newly hired Wastewater Operator Specialists participate in...

COVID-19 Response

To help prevent the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority facilities are CLOSED to the Public and Non-Authorized Personnel until further notice unless previously approved by the Director.

For assistance, please call (515) 323-8006. For additional information concerning other City of Des Moines services impacted, visit DSM.city/covid19.