Warehouse project near DSM backup water source moves forward
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South Branch Business Park is under construction across from Purple Martin Lake. Photo: Courtesy of WB Realty
A West Des Moines developer can move forward with a warehouse project near a future drinking water source after agreeing to environmental safeguards.
Why it matters: The project is across from Purple Martin Lake, a public recreation area and future backup drinking water source for when the Des Moines area experiences drought and high nitrate levels.
Driving the news: WB Realty and West Des Moines Water Works (WDMWW) agreed to a plan on April 1 that allows the company to gain water utilities for a 78,000-square-foot speculative warehouse near the lake.
- In December 2025, the West Des Moines City Council approved construction plans.
Catch up quick: Purple Martin Lake is on the south side of West Des Moines, near Walnut Woods and east of Maffitt Reservoir, a key backup water source for the Des Moines area. The lake is also popular with bird-watchers, especially for purple martins.
- Central Iowa Water Works, which owns the lake, plans to someday connect it to its McMullen plant, which is used to treat Maffitt Reservoir.
- Meanwhile, the city is trying to attract warehouses to the undeveloped areas around the lake.
State of play: In 2024, a fertilizer company considered building near Purple Martin Lake, raising concerns from West Des Moines Water Works about water quality impacts. The project ultimately moved elsewhere in the area.
- After that, West Des Moines Water Works committed to creating a source water protection plan for the lake — a process that is ongoing and pending review.
- But that plan is not yet in place, leaving officials to negotiate protections project-by-project in the meantime.
Yes, but: WB Realty wants to continue construction before the plan is finalized, noting a potential occupant who wants to move in by June, per the Business Record.
- Ryan Wiederstein, owner of WB Realty, said during a March meeting that he already paid a $224,000 water connection fee for the warehouse, and said it was a "reach" for WDMWW to tie land use restrictions to water service, per the Business Record.
- Since November 2025, the company and WDMWW have debated agreements, including handling easements and stormwater protections.
- WDMWW argues protections are needed, especially since it's unknown who will move in and the potential for runoff into the lake.
The bottom line: The agreement reached by both parties includes:
- A 400-foot buffer zone from the lake
- Restrictions on warehouse uses, like fertilizer production and fuel storage
- Limits on chemical storage and handling
- Central Iowa Water Works access to build and maintain stormwater controls
What's next: Central Iowa Water Works is expected to examine West Des Moines' wider water source protection plan later this month.