Iowa River Powerhouse dam to undergo $675K repair project

IOWA CITY — The Iowa River Powerhouse dam, which includes a pedestrian bridge that connects Iowa City’s Peninsula Park to Coralville near the former Iowa River Power restaurant, is set to undergo $675,000 worth of repairs.

Iowa City Water Superintendent Jon Durst said the dam creates pools within the Iowa River than feed into collector wells that provide alluvial aquifer water, which is river water that’s been recharged into the underground aquifer. The city then uses that water as part of its water supply.

“By using the alluvial aquifer, we get really good source water that has very low turbidity and dissolved organic carbon, which allows us to add fewer chemicals and improves the taste and odor of the city's water. So that is, at least for me, the main purpose of this dam,” Durst said at a Tuesday city council meeting.

Iowa River Powerhouse Dam repair project

The $675,000 worth of repairs include work on both the dam and bridge piers.

Source: City of Iowa City

The dam underwent an inspection by divers in 2024 that indicated a need for general rehabilitation.

The project’s scope will include the removal of debris, fixing concrete spalling, and other patching work.

Construction will take place either from September to November or next year, between May and October 2026. The two construction windows are designed around contractor availability since the work requires a certain specialization.

The pedestrian bridge access may be limited throughout construction, though city staff have said any closures likely would last less than a day.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com

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