Ottumwa Water & Hydro constructed a new water main beginning at the northern edge of Ottumwa near the National Guard Armory and extending to the Airport Industrial Park. The new water main includes approximately 6,000 feet of 16-inch water main from Fox Sauk Road to Angle Road (north) and 15,800 feet of 12-inch water main from Angle Road (north) to the Airport Booster Station. The 12-inch water main crossed the newly constructed Ottumwa Bypass, Highway 163 interchange, requiring a 700-foot long cased boring. Work also included a tie-in to an existing booster station.
The additional water main increases the water supply and water reliability for the industrial park. Dr. Pepper Snapple Group is located in the industrial park and uses 10% of Ottumwa’s water supply. Dr. Pepper Snapple Group considered relocating to Des Moines, Iowa, if Ottumwa Water & Hydro did not increase the water supply to the industrial park. Additionally, Iowa Job Corps developed a school in the industrial park that uses about 15,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per day.
The $1.7 million project was funded by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant and a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan. French-Reneker-Associates developed the drawings and specifications for the project, coordinated environmental review, and Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Natural Resources permits. On-site engineering during construction services were also provided.
