The eighth annual Water Academy will be held in Fall 2026. There is no tuition, fee, or charge to apply or if you're accepted to attend the Water Academy.
2026 Academy Dates:
September 24, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
October 1, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
October 8, noon to 4 p.m.
October 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
October 22, noon to 5 p.m.
The William G. Stowe Water Academy of Central Iowa invites attendees to experience a behind-the-scenes look at how Des Moines Water Works, Iowa’s largest drinking water utility, ensures central Iowans have access to water when they need it.
This Academy provides current and emerging leaders in our community an opportunity to learn and appreciate our most valuable natural resource – the water we depend upon for life!
Attendees will tour our Fleur Drive Treatment Plant; receive hands-on experience with conservation practices designed to improve soil health and water quality; talk with farmers about land use and water quality; learn from soil, water and public health professionals; discuss consumer trust and DMWW’s role as an anchor institution in the community; understand what DMWW is doing to remove lead water service lines from our community and plan for the future alongside our Central Iowa Water Works partners; and brainstorm ways to get involved as urban residents with the completion of a small capstone project geared around “Imagine a Day Without Water.” The ultimate goal is for graduates to have a better understanding of your local water utility and the role you can play in improving water quality in our state. There will be opportunities to work in small groups and built-in networking events, including membership into a new alumni network.
The 2026 application period will close on Friday, August 15th. Ensure you save the dates for the Academy – you will be notified by Monday, August 31st if you are in this year’s cohort.
“Highly informative. A good way to learn or improve tools to help tackle Iowa's clean water issues.”
– Ross Grooters, City of Pleasant Hill Councilmember
"The Academy was such a great experience. I enjoyed hearing from experts in local government, biology, agriculture, and more. It was fascinating to learn about the science behind clean water. Anyone who wants to be a better-informed citizen should apply!"
- Ryan Crane, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa,
board member of Polk County Conservation, and member of the
West Des Moines Public Arts Advisory Commission