Report on Nitrate Levels and Water Safety in Des Moines Metro Area

Introduction

Concerns have arisen regarding the safety of drinking water in the Des Moines metropolitan area following the implementation of a lawn watering ban by Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) due to elevated nitrate levels in source water. This report outlines the current situation, testing procedures, and implications for public health, with a focus on aligning actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Water Safety and Nitrate Levels

Current Status of Drinking Water

1. CIWW has confirmed that drinking water remains safe despite increased nitrate concentrations.
2. The primary concern is nitrate contamination resulting from agricultural runoff affecting the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which serve as key water sources.
3. Water treatment plants are actively removing nitrates, although the elevated levels are challenging system capacity.

Nitrate Concentration Data

• Incoming nitrate levels: 14.17 mg/L from the Raccoon River and 13.9 mg/L from the Des Moines River.
• Post-treatment nitrate level: Approximately 8.01 mg/L.
• Safe drinking water standard: 10 mg/L nitrate per liter.

These figures demonstrate effective treatment processes that maintain nitrate levels below the safety threshold, supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by ensuring safe drinking water.

Measures Taken and Recommendations

Lawn Watering Ban

• CIWW implemented its first-ever lawn watering ban to reduce water demand and protect water quality.
• The ban has proven effective in preventing nitrate levels from exceeding safe limits.
• No plans currently exist to impose restrictions on drinking tap water.

Water Filtration and Home Testing

• Des Moines Water Works chemist Lisa Morarend advises against purchasing in-home water treatment systems or home testing kits.
• Natural minerals beneficial to health remain in treated water, emphasizing the importance of balanced water treatment.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• CIWW’s proactive nitrate testing and treatment efforts contribute to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water resources.
• Implementation of water use restrictions reflects responsible water management to maintain water quality.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Maintaining nitrate levels below harmful thresholds protects community health.
• Public communication and transparency foster trust and informed decision-making.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Encouraging water conservation through lawn watering bans promotes sustainable consumption.
• Addressing agricultural runoff highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Central Iowa Water Works continues to monitor and manage nitrate levels in the Des Moines metro area’s water supply, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protecting public health. The measures taken align with global sustainability objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, health, and responsible resource management. Residents are reassured that their drinking water remains safe and that no additional restrictions on tap water use are anticipated.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact Norah Judson, reporter for the Des Moines Register, at njudson@gannett.com.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the safety and quality of drinking water in the Des Moines metro area, directly relating to SDG 6 which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Concerns about nitrate levels in drinking water connect to health issues, linking to SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article mentions increased runoff from agricultural fields affecting water quality, which relates to SDG 15 that focuses on sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combating land degradation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
2. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 15 Targets
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Nitrate Concentration in Drinking Water
   • The article provides specific nitrate levels measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) in water sources and treated water, which corresponds to the indicator measuring water quality under SDG 6.3.1 (Proportion of wastewater safely treated) and can be linked to water quality indicators.
   • The safe drinking water standard mentioned is 10 mg/L nitrate concentration, which is a benchmark for assessing water safety.
2. Implementation of Water Use Restrictions
   • The lawn watering ban is a practical measure to reduce nitrate runoff and protect water quality, indicating progress towards sustainable water management (SDG 6.4 and 6.3).
3. Monitoring and Testing Frequency
   • The article describes ongoing nitrate testing by water utility chemists, implying the use of regular monitoring as an indicator of water safety management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: desmoinesregister.com