Waukee Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Waukee Water Supply serves the city of Waukee in Dallas County, Iowa, with a population of approximately 14,381 residents. Water is purchased from Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), sourced from the Raccoon River and stored in the LP Moon Storage Tank. DMWW operates treatment facilities processing this surface water through coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection before distribution to Waukee via the city's system. For inquiries, contact 515-978-7900 or DMWW at 515-283-8700.

The Raccoon River watershed spans about 2,000 square miles in west-central Iowa, feeding into the Mississippi River system. Underlying geology features Devonian-age limestones like the Cedar Valley Group and Mississippian formations such as the Burlington Limestone, which are highly reactive to river flow and acidic precipitation. These carbonate-rich strata leach calcium and magnesium ions, yielding a hard supply with elevated mineral content. Pleistocene glacial deposits add to watershed sediment dynamics without diluting the inherent hardness from bedrock dissolution.

In a hard water supply, mineral scale builds up rapidly in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers, clogging valves and heating elements — hot water heaters may need replacement every 6–8 years instead of 12–15. Regular deliming with vinegar, installing scale inhibitors, or flushing systems helps mitigate issues. A water softener is strongly recommended to prevent spotting on dishes, soap scum, and dry skin from mineral residues. Water quality testing shows average nitrates at 4.67 mg/L; lead and copper tests in 2018 detected no elevated levels, with triennial monitoring ensuring compliance.