A public art and education piece, called ‘Water Curia,’ is under construction in Water Works Park, inspired by the late Bill Stowe, the former CEO of Des Moines Water Works. The installation aims to teach about water quality, a message Stowe embraced during his tenure.

Bill Stowe’s Legacy

Stowe’s widow, Amy Beattie, said her husband was passionate about education and water quality. ‘Education was his passion and education about water, in particular, in those last years he worked here,’ Beattie said. Stowe led the lawsuit against drainage districts in three northwest Iowa counties, claiming agricultural runoff made its way to Des Moines Water Works to be treated.

‘Iowa’s water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams are a drinking water catastrophe waiting to happen,’ Stowe said in 2017. The lawsuit was eventually dropped, but Stowe’s message about water quality continues to resonate.

Water Curia Installation

The ‘Water Curia’ installation, designed by Des Moines native Jordan Weber, will feature a walking path, seating, and seasonal lessons. Construction is expected to be completed by November. Graham Gillette, who led the Des Moines Water Works board of trustees that hired Stowe, said the installation will serve as a gathering space to remind people of the importance of water quality.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.