Des Moines Water Works

From the archives: Featured in the 1933 calendar were two images of the Pumping Station – still onsite at the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant – and the lagoon that had once been on site.

The beautification of the Fleur Drive Treatment Plant grounds started in 1922 when dirt from the construction of the Pumping Station was used to construct a lagoon and goldfish pond.

Visitors were welcome to stroll the grounds. In 1925, Florence Sprague, an art instructor at Drake University, was commissioned to make four frog sculptures for the pond. A brass frog sat at each corner of the pond with water spouting from its mouth.

The pond was removed in 1975 when the levee surrounding the treatment plant was constructed. Public access to roam the treatment grounds was also removed because of security.

Today, two of the frogs are in the atrium museum inside Des Moines Water Works General Office.

Apply today for the William G. Stowe Water Academy at Des Moines Water Works. Become a water ambassador and learn about the most value resource we have – the water we depend upon for life!

We have expanded the academy to five weeks to offer even more activities including a new community project.

Apply here: https://ow.ly/uAjB50Z0gLP. Participation is limited. The 2026 application period closes on Aug. 15.

Rain is in the forecast. Before the next storm rolls in, take a minute to check your sprinkler system. Many irrigation systems are programmed to run automatically.

Why does it matter? During the summer, lawn watering can account for up to 40 percent of daily water use. Small changes by many customers can make a big difference for our community's water supply.

You can help:
✅ Turn off sprinklers when rain is expected
✅ Skip a watering day
✅ Water only when your lawn truly needs it

Together, these simple actions help preserve critical water supplies, maintain reliable service, and ensure high-quality drinking water for our community all summer long.