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Utility Perspective

Join Randy Van Dyke, CEO of Iowa Lakes Regional Water, as he explores the history of utility management organizations in Iowa and the impact of nitrates and phosphorous on water utilities. Learn about the challenges faced by water utilities in addressing these contaminants and the innovative financing options available for nutrient reduction projects. This webinar is presented by the Association of Regional Water Organizations (ARWO).

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Utility Perspective

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  1. January 23, 2019 Webinar Upper Mississippi States: Innovation Financing for Nutrient Reduction Utility Perspective Randy Van Dyke, CEO – Iowa Lakes Regional Water

  2. History of Utility Management Organization’s of Iowa (UMOI) • 775 Unsewered Communities (2007) • EPA increasing wastewater regulations in Iowa through IA DNR • Six UMO’s throughout Iowa formed to assist communities with • essential professional service for wastewater needs.

  3. Impact of Nitrates Nitrate is an important issue for water utilities.  Nitrate is an acute contaminant, has a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), and continues to be a challenge for water utilities.  Over the past 10 years, Iowa has had nitrate MCL violations at between 6 and 15 system per year.  While this is a small number considering the total number of public water systems (~1800), these are different systems each year.  As a system remediates the problem, typically by finding new sources, connecting to another public water supply, or installing treatment, another system violates the standard.  In addition, we have a number of systems who have seen the nitrate levels increase in their source water and have made changes to protect public health prior to having a MCL exceedance.  The Iowa DNR in conjunction with Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) has staff dedicated and actively working with public water supplies on source water protection plans and implementation with the focus on reducing nitrate levels.

  4. Impact of Phosphorous Phosphorous is also an important issue for water utilities. Phosphorous levels are becoming more an issue for systems with a surface water source.  We are experiencing an increase in blue green algae blooms with the possibility of harmful cyanotoxins being produced.  The Iowa DNR completed a voluntary statewide study of the raw water microcystin levels (one of the cyanotoxins) in 2017.  Here is the summary of the information from the study: You can find the complete report at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Drinking-Water-Compliance/Additional-Information As you can see, when 15 of the 26 systems have levels above the EPA Health Advisory level in their raw water, that is concerning.  During the study, there were no detections in the finished water but as algal blooms continue, this becomes more and more of an issue.  The Des Moines Water Works has provided early messaging to their customers due to microcystin levels in their finished water and have altered their intake use due to algal blooms.

  5. Mission of Association of Regional Water Organizations (ARWO) To promote the present and future effectiveness of regional water and wastewater systems in delivering resilient and affordable services – by advancing our policy priorities in Washington D.C. and providing expert resources to improve governance, management and operations.

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