Improving Osceola’s Water Treatment Plant
Osceola Water Works runs the water treatment plant that turns water from West Lake into a clean, safe resource for our customers. It’s the heart of our community’s water supply system.
The plant has not had major upgrades since the early 2000s, more than two decades ago. It’s time to upgrade this critical facility to increase the amount of water the plant can process, align with current technology and cybersecurity standards, and serve the next generation of Osceola residents.
Osceola Water Works is starting a project to upgrade the plant. This process is just beginning.
No matter what, Osceola Water Works is committed to providing safe, clean drinking water to our customers. We must improve the WTP to maintain that commitment in the long-term and keep our community supplied with safe drinking water.
When designing the plant upgrades, engineers will consider different ways to remove natural materials in the water that sometimes add taste or smell to the treated water. These materials come from the source water supply, West Lake.
FAST FACTS
Click on the question to see each answer:
The Osceola Water Works WTP draws water from West Lake into the plant, where it is treated and tested for cleanliness and safety before being distributed to our customers.
Yes. When our customers turn on the tap, they get water that’s clean, safe and in line with state and federal drinking water standards. Upgrading the water treatment plant and using contemporary best practices will allow Osceola Water Works to continue our mission for decades.
OWW is looking at many fiscally responsible ways to cover the cost of treatment plant upgrades. However, bill payments typically cover local water system improvements. We are investigating many options to lessen the impact of renovations on our customers, including grant opportunities and Iowa’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan fund.
Upgrades will keep the plant working reliably, reduce future repair costs, and help ensure Osceola has safe, clean water for many years. Upgrades are also intended to address occasional issues of taste and odor with more reliable processes.
The upgrades will not change how much water is available in West Lake. However, improved treatment equipment allows for more efficient processing of drinking water and reduces the risk of critical failures at the plant. Addressing outdated equipment and optimizing plant operations will help ensure greater reliability of drinking water service to Osceola homes and businesses.
The first phase of this project, which began in January 2026, will assess the current condition of the plant, evaluate options for making improvements, and design the needed upgrades. Although schedules are subject to change, we anticipate construction will begin in the first half of 2027.
Periodic updates will be provided on this page. Updates and discussions will be provided at the Osceola Water Board Monthly Meetings, held on the 1st Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm, at 208 W Jefferson Street, Osceola, IA 50213. Public attendance is encouraged.
