Ask Axios: Why are valves protruding from a Des Moines sidewalk?

Question: "Why are water valves protruding several inches from the sidewalk along Beaver Avenue? Those are waiting to take me down," Becky Vergara, of Des Moines, recently asked Axios.

• We took a look and found several of these puppies along the east sidewalk north of Aurora Avenue.

Answer: These are "curb stop" valves and their maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner, Jenny Puffer, DSM Water Works' distribution director, told Axios.

• They are installed flush with the sidewalk, but sidewalks settle and lift over time, she noted.

What's next: Residents can report problems to Water Works online or by calling 515-283-8700

• Property owners will be notified about the problem.