For over six months, Bagley residents have had to use bottled or alternative sources of water for consumption after a high amount of manganese was tested in the City’s water.

Bagley residents are asked to vote on a ballot measure in an effort to resolve this issue at the November 5th election. The measure asks whether to approve an ordinance to grant the Xenia Rural Water District a nonexclusive franchise to acquire, construct, install, erect, maintain, operate, repair, remove, replace, renew, and reconstruct a water transmission and distribution system within the City.

Xenia CEO/General Manager Gary Benjamin said at the recent Bagley City Council meeting that the City would keep ownership of the water facilities, but Xenia would take over maintenance, read meters, and bill residents. It could also be possible to have sewer and garbage on the same bill. Benjamin also said that residential water lines would remain the same, and any water rate increases would go through their Board of Directors and would affect all Xenia customers. He added there hasn’t been a water rate increase in four years. The water would come from Des Moines Water Works, and Xenia is currently working on easements for the project. The City has received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant and a $500,000 State Revolving Fund loan for the project, of which 75% is forgivable. Another public hearing regarding the issue will be on November 4th.