THINK DOWNSTREAM News & Updates from Des Moines Water Works SEPTEMBER 2017 2201 George Flagg Parkway | Des Moines, IA 50321 | (515) 283-8700 | www.dmww.com | | dsmh2o.com T he metro’s newest recreational area is open for outdoor enthusiasts. In August, Des Moines Water Works, along with Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the City of West Des Moines and the Friends of Walnut Woods State Park held a grand opening of Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area, located off Army Post Road, southwest of Walnut Woods State Park. Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area was a former sand, rock and gravel quarry that now serves dual purposes as a future drinking water source for Des Moines Water Works customers and recreational use. The area will offer hiking, jogging and walking, along with all non-motor recreation on the water, similar to Des Moines Water Works’ Maffitt Reservoir. “The former quarry provides an operational benefit to Des Moines Water Works’ ability to produce safe, affordable and abundant drinking water to 500,000 central Iowans; however, it was recognized early on the inherent recreational benefits of the property,” said Bill Stowe, CEO and General Manager, Des Moines Water Works. In 2015, Des Moines Water Works purchased a series of water bodies along the south side of the Raccoon River, east of the L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Plant. Long term plans will connect all of the water bodies in a series to form a “Chain of Lakes,” which will be capable of providing up to 15 million gallons per day of low-nitrate water supply. Through an agreement with Des Moines Water Works, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will manage Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area and the area surrounding the lake as an extension of DNR’s neighboring Walnut Woods State Park. “Des Moines Water Works appreciates the initiative and dedication of Iowa DNR staff, and particularly Walnut Woods Park Manager, Tim Gedler, to manage the property as an extension of Walnut Woods State Park. This partnership is consistent with Des Moines Water Works’ goal of stewardship of public land, and will additionally provide an opportunity to highlight the story of water,” said Stowe. The area is named after the Purple Martin bird species and has several Purple Martin birdhouses and an area for visitors to view the birds. The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow but their populations are undergoing long-term declines in many parts of North America. Purple Martins rely almost entirely on human-supplied housing and Iowa DNR had grant money for the installation of a number of Purple Martin houses. The area will be open daily from 6:00 am-10:30 pm. For directions to Purple Martin Lake, visit: www.dmww.com/about-us/news-releases. Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area Now Open Spetmber2017:September2017 8/28/2017 12:19 PM Page 1
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THINK DOWNSTREAM Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area …€¦ · Water Works’ ability to produce safe, affordable and abundant drinking water to 500,000 central Iowans; however,
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THINK DOWNSTREAM
News & Updates from
Des Moines Water Works
SEPTEMBER 2017
2201 George Flagg Parkway | Des Moines, IA 50321 | (515) 283-8700 | www.dmww.com | | dsmh2o.com
The metro’s newest recreational area is open for outdoor
enthusiasts. In August, Des Moines Water Works, along with
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the City of West Des
Moines and the Friends of Walnut Woods State Park held a grand
opening of Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area, located off
Army Post Road, southwest of Walnut Woods State Park.
Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area was a former sand, rock
and gravel quarry that now serves dual purposes as a future drinking
water source for Des Moines Water Works customers and
recreational use. The area will offer hiking, jogging and walking,
along with all non-motor recreation on the water, similar to Des
Moines Water Works’ Maffitt Reservoir.
“The former quarry provides an operational benefit to Des Moines
Water Works’ ability to produce safe, affordable and abundant
drinking water to 500,000 central Iowans; however, it was
recognized early on the inherent recreational benefits of the property,” said Bill Stowe, CEO and General Manager, Des Moines
Water Works.
In 2015, Des Moines Water Works purchased a series of water bodies along the south side of the Raccoon River, east of the
L.D. McMullen Water Treatment Plant. Long term plans will connect all of the water bodies in a series to form a “Chain of
Lakes,” which will be capable of providing up to 15 million gallons per day of low-nitrate water supply.
Through an agreement with Des Moines Water Works, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will manage Purple Martin
Lake Water Resource Area and the area surrounding the lake as an extension of DNR’s neighboring Walnut Woods State Park.
“Des Moines Water Works appreciates the initiative and dedication of Iowa DNR staff, and particularly Walnut Woods Park
Manager, Tim Gedler, to manage the property as an extension of Walnut Woods State Park. This partnership is consistent with
Des Moines Water Works’ goal of stewardship of public land, and will additionally provide an opportunity to highlight the story of
water,” said Stowe.
The area is named after the Purple Martin bird species and has several Purple Martin birdhouses and an area for visitors to view
the birds. The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow but their populations are undergoing long-term declines in
many parts of North America. Purple Martins rely almost entirely on human-supplied housing and Iowa DNR had grant money
for the installation of a number of Purple Martin houses.
The area will be open daily from 6:00 am-10:30 pm. For directions to Purple Martin Lake, visit: