Utilities & Infrastructure in Des Moines, IA

Water systems, internet access, and utility services

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

87.9%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

68.6%

of households

No Internet

8.5%

of households

Total Households

90,085

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL

68.6%

Cellular Data Plan

82.7%

Satellite

6.2%

Cellular Only (no wired)

15.0%

No Internet Access

8.5%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

94.5%

of households

Smartphone

89.7%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

74.6%

of households

Tablet

56.1%

of households

Any Computing Device

94.5%

Smartphone

89.7%

Desktop / Laptop

74.6%

Tablet

56.1%

Smartphone Only

13.5%

No Computer

5.5%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

Population Served

254,900

Violations (5yr)

System Name	Type	Source	Pop. Served
DES MOINES WATER WORKS	Community	Purchased surface water	246,055
SOUTHEAST POLK RWD	Community	Purchased surface water	7,565
VAL VISTA ESTATES	Community	Purchased surface water	553
MINGO WATER DEPARTMENT	Community	Purchased ground water	316
DMWW-GREENBRIER ESTATES	Community	Purchased surface water	300
CASTLE CREEK MEMORY CARE	Community	Ground water	86
CIWW (DMWW)	Community	Surface water	25

87.9% of households in Des Moines have broadband internet access. 68.6% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 15.0% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 8.5% of households have no internet access. 13.5% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 7 water systems, providing water to 254,900 people. No water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.