Des Moines Water Works hired Barr to perform an assessment of its flood risk management system for the Fleur Water Treatment Plant, which is safeguarded by a levee that encircles the facility. The system had been realigned and reinforced over time in response to significant flooding that compromised portions of the levee. The goals of the assessment were to identify and prioritize flood risk management concerns and provide remedial actions in accordance with FEMA criteria (44 CFR 65.10) and USACE levee design guidelines.
To understand the water treatment plant’s history, operation, and flood risk, Barr compiled and reviewed existing data associated with the levee system, including original plant, floodgate, and levee design documents; historical flooding records; soil boring logs; gallery and tunnel collection system records; hydraulic models of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers; the plant’s emergency response plan; and other supporting information. The Barr team also visited the site to observe the condition and operation of the plant's floodgate and levee system.
The assessment revealed several vulnerabilities. Barr recommended targeted upgrades to improve resiliency, including realigning the levee to protect key infrastructure, adding an emergency overflow to the north tunnel shaft, replacing floodgate seals, and addressing seepage and structural issues in an aging retaining wall.
Des Moines Water Works prioritized four of these essential modifications to safeguard the potable water supply during flooding of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. We are currently administering the construction of these improvements, which are expected to be completed in 2026. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of what’s at stake for the community, Barr is helping Des Moines Water Works take proactive steps to protect its vital infrastructure and water service during extreme storms.
