CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Patrick Beane, P.E., right, was recently offered the position of new director of the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority.

DES MOINES — The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority, which is responsible for conveying and treating wastewater generated by over 570,000 Iowans across 18 communities, has a new director.

Patrick Beane, P.E., was offered the position as director of the award-winning organization, after more than six years heading the City of Des Moines’ Clean Water Program within the Public Works Department. The Clean Water Program provides planning expertise for both the stormwater and sanitary sewer utilities for the City. Following historic flooding in June 2018, Beane was selected to oversee Citywide planning efforts focused on improving the infrastructure and flood controls in the City’s stormwater management system, culminating in a Stormwater Master Plan that guides stormwater improvements for the decades ahead.

“Patrick has served the City of Des Moines for more than half a decade, playing a direct role in enhancing our flood resiliency to protect people and property in our community,” said Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders. “Now, he’ll be serving the entire metro, using his experience to help the WRA protect public health and water quality across central Iowa.”

The WRA Board, comprised of representatives from 18 metro municipalities, counties and sewer districts, will officially vote to approve the selection of Beane as WRA Director at its next board meeting on Feb. 17.

“The WRA Board had the pleasure of meeting several professionals at the top of their fields, but Mr. Beane stood apart,” said WRA Board Chair Michael McCoy. “With a deep knowledge of the essential processes and infrastructure required for successful operations and his established presence at the top of the water quality field in the state of Iowa, the Board is confident that Mr. Beane is well-prepared to lead the men and women of the WRA towards continued success.”

Beane, who received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University, has nearly 30 years of experience in the water quality field, including over a decade working for Johnson County Wastewater, the largest utility in Kansas, while simultaneously earning a Master of Science in Engineering Management.

“I’m honored and excited to have been selected to lead the dedicated team at the WRA,” said Beane. “The WRA is an industry-leading example of successful regional collaboration and I look forward to working with staff, the WRA Board and member communities to ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of residents, businesses and industrial partners as central Iowa experiences continued growth and progress.”

Beane will join the WRA as it prepares for unprecedented expansion, both of its conveyance system and its treatment facility in southeast Des Moines that discharges treated wastewater into the Des Moines River. More than $1.1 billion in improvements and new projects have been planned through 2045.

While its main facility is in Des Moines and the City serves as its operating contractor, the WRA boasts a sewer system spanning over 160 miles, with infrastructure present in all 18 member communities across central Iowa including: Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Clive, Cumming, Des Moines, Greenfield Plaza Sanitary Sewer District, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale Sanitary Sewer District, Urbandale-Windsor Heights Sanitary Sewer District, Warren County, Waukee and West Des Moines.

Residents of WRA member communities–listed below–can learn more about the award-winning utility’s treatment process and more at DMMWRA.org.