Water & Pollution Control

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The Ames Water and Pollution Control Department has responsibility for all operations of the water and sewer utilities, except for the collection and distribution systems (which are managed out of the Public Works Department) and customer services/billing functions (which are a part of the Finance Department).

From your toilets and sinks to the sewers and streams, we ensure Ames has quality water. The water you drink goes through many processes before it lands in your cup. The process starts by collecting water from Ioway Creek and Skunk River Valley shallow groundwater aquifers (or underground layers of water) and treating the water, making it potable (drinkable). Once treated, the water is distributed throughout the City into homes and businesses. The cycle is then completed when water from your showers, sinks, and toilets enters the sewer system and travels to the wastewater facility where it is treated before returning to the lakes and streams, creating a healthy environment.

Aside from providing and treating water, the Water and Pollution Control Department also maintains the City’s water meters and operates the first laboratory in Iowa certified by the IDNR for water and wastewater regulatory analyses.

W&PC Department Divisions

Administration Division

New Water Treatment Plant entrance to Admin offices at 1300 E. 13th