From Valley Junction in 1899 ...

Nearly 130 years ago, town officials took action to establish the community’s first private water utility. On June 13, 1899, an ordinance was passed to hold an election to authorize the town council to form the Valley Junction Water and Light Company. After discussions with town officials and a consultant, a location for the first plant was determined along Railroad Avenue.

On July 8, 1899 an election was held to approve the formation of Valley Junction’s first public water supply. For various reasons, the utility faltered and another election was held in 1913 to establish the Valley Junction Water Works. Shortly after the election, in 1915, a three-member Board of Trustees was formed to oversee operation of the utility. Board members were appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. This Board was apparently short-lived as city archives show city council members taking action on utility operations. It was during this time that Valley Junction became West Des Moines.

An election in 1950 authorized forming a three-member Board of Trustees to provide oversight and direction to the utility. Then, in 1982 an election was held to increase the number of members on the Board of Water Works Trustees from three to five. Over the years, many changes and improvements have been implemented. Following is a brief history of our treatment plant and distribution system.