We're Halfway Through Summer
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With big events like the Des Moines Arts Festival and IRONMAN behind us, it's hard to imagine that we are halfway through summer. Not to worry, if you feel like you haven't enjoyed outdoor activities as much as you would like, there are still plenty of opportunities, such as the Des Moines Community Playhouse Tent Theater Series, the Summer Concert Series at Jasper Winery, and the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market.

We encourage everyone to enjoy their summers safely and responsibly.

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Sewer TV: Remote Cameras Used to Prevent Major Backups in Des Moines Sanitary Sewer System
The Des Moines Public Works Department recently implemented the use of cameras in an effort to document and maintain the City's 1,000+ miles of sanitary sewer lines.

“Most people don’t really think about their sanitary sewers,” Beane said. “But when you flush your toilets or wash your dishes, that water has to go somewhere and it comes to the sanitary sewer system pipes. We’re hoping to improve that system by taking steps to identify and address issues before they cause larger damages.”
Des Moines Earns Recognition From EPA
The City of Des Moines recently earned a top-three ranking on the Environmental Protection Agency's 2021 list of mid-size cities with the most ENERGY STAR certified buildings.

ENERGY STAR certified buildings are recognized for both their cost-efficiency and their sustainability. These buildings use an average of 35% less energy than similar buildings, emit 35% fewer greenhouse gases, and are more energy-efficient than 75% of similar buildings nationwide.

"The tools and resources available through ENERGY STAR continue to help position the City of Des Moines as a leader in energy and water efficiency," said Mayor Cownie. "We've made excellent progress in recent years, and will continue to leverage this program and others to identify further savings opportunities in City facilities and reduce costs."

This award is yet another example of the City's commitment to sustainability and the success of its programs. This award is a great step toward the City's ultimate goal of achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by the year 2035.
2021 Bike Back to School
Have you heard about the Bike Back to School program?

Returning on August 7 at Stone Park (2100 SE 5th St.), bicycles will be donated to Des Moines Public Schools students ahead of the new school year.

Presented by the Des Moines Street Collective, Des Moines Police Department and Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Bikes will be given away to the first 100 eligible children based on qualifications for free and reduced meals. Thanks to Blank Children’s Hospital for donating helmets to this event.

To donate a bike or to learn how to get involved with providing bikes to our community, contact the Des Moines Street Collective.
Stormwater Subsidy Program: Rain Garden Edition
The City of Des Moines has had a drier than usual summer, causing Des Moines Water Works to ask for residents to voluntarily use less water. With water at the forefront of our minds, this month we're emphasizing another part of our Stormwater Subsidy Program: Rain Gardens.

Rain gardens capture runoff from a variety of impervious surfaces in a depression or shallow bowl. Learn more about rain gardens by watching the video below.

Interested in learning more about all of the offerings our Stormwater Subsidy Program offers? Learn more and sign up here.
More News
Engineering Goes Social

Our Engineering Department is one of the busiest departments in the City of Des Moines.

To show you what goes on behind the curtain of Engineering projects, we have started an Engineering Facebook page.

You will get notifications on closures, videos explaining why projects are happening and how the projects are completed, and other updates.

If you are interested in learning more about Engineering happening around the City of Des Moines, you can give them a follow here.
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