Since 1993, Des Moines wisely moved forward. The Des Moines Water Works has taken action to increase the reliability of the area's water service during a natural hazard event. The second treatment facility will meet growing water demands and provide a limited back-up to the main plant if flooding should occur. The experience of the City of Des Moines during the floods of 1993 illustrates how utility-related or lifeline disaster costs often stretch well beyond physical damage. Communities need to implement mitigation measures to protect the lifeline services that are critical to businesses and other functions of the community.
Communities face many decisions about the allocation of resources.
These decisions are by no means easy. However, identifying the risks your community faces will help you make those decisions.