Des Moines Water Works has
requested a release of water from Saylorville Reservoir this week by the Army
Corps of Engineers. "Our intention at this time is to ensure
procedures and mechanisms are in place at both the State of Iowa and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to provide additional water supply options should they
be needed," said Bill Stowe, CEO and general manager. The additional
release of water, 30 cubic feet per second, will take place Wednesday between 9
a.m. and 3 p.m. It's the first time Water Works has exercised the process for releasing
the city's water supply from the reservoir, Stowe said. Des Moines Water Works
invested $2.4 million 30 years ago for access to water supply at Saylorville
Reservoir, and pays approximately $100,000 annually to maintain a pumping
facility at Saylorville.