News & Updates from

DES MoInES WATEr WorKS

SEPTEMBER 2012

There are nearly 10,000 fire hydrants in the Des Moines Water Works distribution

system, and while fire hydrants are a familiar sight, we should all be aware of

the importance of each hydrant to the community – not only for firefighting, but

also for operation and maintenance of the water system.

Because they are so important, the fire hydrants in Des Moines Water Works dis-

tribution system receive a lot of attention. Each public fire hydrant receives regular

maintenance on a three-year rotating schedule. In addition, each year in the fall,

every fire hydrant is inspected to ensure it is not holding water that could freeze and

to confirm that it has not been hit by vehicles or damaged in some other way.

Most hydrants in the system are designed to break away if they are hit by a vehicle.

This reduces damage to the vehicle and the hydrant and allows the hydrant to be

returned to service quickly.

Des Moines Water Works is responsible for maintenance of the fire hydrants that

fire fighters use to protect our community. Help the local fire department and Des

Moines Water Works by following these simple tips to keep fire hydrants working

properly and accessible when they are needed:

· Keep cars, bikes, toys and other objects away from fire hydrants at all times.

· During winter months, shovel snow away from fire hydrants.

· Mow and trim grass or weeds around fire hydrants near your property.

· Do not plant flowers or shrubs around fire hydrants.

· Do not paint fire hydrants – the color of the fire hydrant is indicative of water

pressure available for fire protection.

Unauthorized use of a hydrant can cause significant damage to the distribution system, the hydrant and your home or

business plumbing. Additionally, it may cause damage to our water supply. Any unauthorized use of a fire hydrant may

result in a $1,500 fine and misdemeanor charges.

If you notice a damaged fire hydrant or witness suspicious activity near a fire hydrant, please call Des Moines Water

Works at (515) 283-8700. Your call is important to the fire protection of your home, business and others around you.

Fire Hydrant Importance

After Des Moines Water Works pumped a record 96.6 million gallons of water on July 24, Metro area residential and

business customers supported the Stage 1 Water Conservation request made by all Des Moines area water utilities to

voluntarily cease or reduce lawn irrigation.

Cooler temperatures has resulted in decreased customer water demand; however, river levels remain at near historic

low levels, with the outlook for the remaining late summer and fall months to be drier than normal.

Watering of gardens, plants and other landscaping was not targeted in the Stage 1 conservation efforts and may con-

tinue through the fall. Since Stage 1 is a voluntary effort, customers who have damaged turf and desire to restore it in

September – which is an ideal time for reseeding – may irrigate the damaged/repaired sections of their lawn.

The Des Moines area water utilities continue to emphasize the wise use of water both inside and outside of homes and

businesses. Customers can do their part by not over-irrigating and maintaining properly working irrigation systems.

Metro area water utilities thank residential and business customers that responded to the Stage 1 Water Conservation

request to help ensure Des Moines Water Works could continue to deliver a quality and

reliable water supply to metro area customers.

Drought of 2012

2201 George Flagg Parkway | Des Moines, IA 50321 | (515) 283-8700 | www.dmww.com | | dsmh2o.com

SEPT2012:SeptOct2012 8/24/2012 10:53 AM Page 1

The Board of Water Works Trustees of Des Moines Water Works has selected William

Stowe as CEo and General Manager.

“Bill Stowe is a capable leader who is well prepared for the challenges and opportuni-

ties facing Water Works, one of Des Moines’ greatest assets,” said Graham Gillette, Board

of Water Works Trustees member and co-chair of the search committee. “Bill Stowe is an

innovator who understands the role Water Works plays in ensuring Central Iowa’s future.”

Mr. Stowe was one of five finalists interviewed by the Board of Trustees and questioned

by employee and community panelists earlier this month. The five finalists were chosen

from a large field of candidates.

“The five finalists were all outstanding. Each would have brought a unique skill set to

the job,” said Leslie Gearhart, Board of Water Works Trustees member and co-chair of the

search committee. “We are grateful to the employees and members of the community

who helped screen candidates during this process.”

Mr. Stowe leaves his position as Assistant Manager-Public Works/Engineering for the City of Des Moines, a position he has

held since 1999. Prior to that, Stowe was the Human resources Director for the City of Des Moines, operations Manager for

MidAmerican Energy, as well as an analyst for Shell oil, labor relations representative for Inland Steel Industries and a field

examiner for the national Labor relations Board. Stowe has a B.A. from Grinnell College, a M.S. from the University of

Wisconsin, a M.S. from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from Loyola University Law School.

“It's a privilege to have an opportunity to lead this exceptional utility in service to our community. I welcome the oppor-

tunity to join with the employees of Water Works to continue to provide valued water services to our

customers throughout the region,” said Stowe.

Stowe Selected as Water Works

CEO and General Manager

The Board of Water Works Trustees has accepted the request of retirement

of Des Moines Water Works CEo and General Manager, randy Beavers,

P.E. Mr. Beavers has served Des Moines Water Works for 32 years, the last 5

as its CEo and General Manager.

Working on drinking water projects and studies his entire career, his tenure

at Des Moines Water Works has consisted of a collaboration of work for the

design and construction of innovative projects that will increase the Des Moines

Metro area’s water supply reliability into the 21st century.

A very short list of some of these projects include: testing a concept for stor-

ing drinking water underground during low demand months then recovering it

during the peak demand months (aquifer storage and recovery wells); the

design and construction of the L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Facility at Maffitt

reservoir – a 25 million gallon per day water treatment plant, as well as the

Saylorville Water Treatment Plant, Des Moines Water Works’ third and newest

facility, using membrane water treatment technology.

“As my 32 year career at the Water Works comes to a close, I can attest that it has been a true privilege and joy to

have worked here in service to our customers, Beavers said. “I have always felt as an employee I was one of the stewards

of this great institution. High quality drinking water will always be required by a community’s citizens and I was but one of

many employees who served before me, with me, and the many who will continue to serve after I am gone to insure the

assets and infrastructure will continue to reliably deliver that high quality product.”

Mr. Beavers recalls several highlights of his career, including obtaining the first computer in the Engineering department

for drafting design plans; moving Des Moines Water Works office from downtown to Valley Drive (now known as George

Flagg Parkway); negotiating the first total service contract agreements with Polk County and Windsor Heights; the Flood of

1993; the interesting work with other Metro water utilities, Metro city leaders and staff, developers, contractors and suppliers,

as well as the phenomenal group of past and current employees and Board members.

Beavers Ends 32 Year Des

Moines Water Works Career

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