Water Treatment Plant

The Water Treatment Division includes the collection of groundwater water through a network of wells, treatment of that water to make it suitable for human consumption, pumping of the water into the distribution system, and the management of the residual solids generated by the treatment process. It also includes the Smart Water Conservation Program. The facility, constructed in 2017, is located at 1800 E 13th Street. In addition to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, the staff includes five full time Operators, a Maintenance Specialist, a Maintenance Technician, and multiple Student Operators.

About the Plant

The Ames water utility was formed in 1891. The "old" Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was constructed in 1927 as a two million gallon per day (MGD) iron removal facility. Numerous improvements and expansions over the years expanded the treatment to include lime softening and brought the capacity to 12 MGD. After extensive evaluation, the cost to renovate, modernize, and expand the facility exceeded the cost of constructing a new treatment plant facility. On July 14, 2009, the Ames City Council directed City staff to proceed with planning and design for a new water treatment plant at 1800 East 13th Street. Design was complete in the spring of 2014. The project was awarded to Knutson Construction for $52,497,000. The project was funded in large part through a low-interest loan from the Iowa Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). Repayment of the loan will be made from utility revenues. A series of rate increases were put into place to account for the loan repayment and those increases are completed. Construction started November 2014 and the water plant began treating the City's water in August 2017 with no issues. It took 2 years, 8 months, 12 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes of construction for the plant to be able to produce water to the distribution system. On August 26, 2017, we hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house for the public to tour the new facility. A record number of the community were in attendance with approximately 1,250 to 1,300 attendees.

Did You Know?

• In Ames, water treatment is provided for more than 18,000 homes and businesses, Iowa State University campus, and the National Centers for Animal Health (National Animal Disease Center and National Veterinary Services Laboratories). Water is also sold to Xenia Rural Water District.
• The water distribution system consists of more than 256 miles of mains, ranging in size from 4" to 24". More than 3,140 hydrants are available for fire protection.
• The average single-family home in Ames uses 600 cubic feet (4,488 gallons) per month.
• Ames drinking water rates are among the lowest in Iowa, ranking in the bottom 25%!

Click here to view the Source Water Assessment for Ames.(PDF, 1MB)

Click here for the New Water Treatment Facility Souvenir Brochure.(PDF, 1MB)