The three largest water users in West Des Moines
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Microsoft, GGP Retail and R&R Realty Group have been the three largest water users in West Des Moines for the last five years, per West Des Moines Water Works.
Why it matters: Central Iowa water utility leaders warned this week that another irrigation ban may occur if a dry spell happens this summer.
State of play: Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) is asking businesses and residents to conserve their lawn watering now to help ensure there's enough clean water for everyone this summer.
- A high level of nitrates this year resulted in CIWW activating its nitrate removal facility in the winter for the second time ever.
- High water demand this summer could exceed the facility's nitrate processing abilities.
- Over the last five years, the fourth-largest water user consumed roughly 45% as much as the third largest.
Context: Microsoft operates a data center campus in West Des Moines.
- GGP runs the Jordan Creek Town Center area, and R&R Realty owns and manages major commercial properties in the city.
What they're saying: Paul Rupprecht, executive vice president of R&R Realty, says the company's water usage is consistent with other commercial real estate companies.
- Rupprecht says the high water usage reflects the size of the company's property portfolio.
- "We recognize the importance of responsible water use and will follow any lawn irrigation restrictions or guidance issued by local authorities this summer," he said in a statement to Axios. "We will also continue to evaluate practical opportunities to support conservation efforts across our properties."
Zoom in: Microsoft's West Des Moines data centers can cool themselves using outside air for the majority of the year, a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.
- When water is used for cooling, the company works with local utilities to ensure supply isn't strained, and it also complies with irrigation bans, per the statement.
- Microsoft plans to use more water-efficient, closed-loop cooling technology in future projects.
A spokesperson for GGP did not respond to a request for comment.
Of note: The lawn watering ban in 2025 skewed that year's numbers, per a West Des Moines Water Works spokesperson.