The Des Moines metropolitan area has been obtaining its drinking water from the Raccoon River just before it empties into the Des Moines River through water utilities since the 19th century . During the Great Flood of 1993 , the Raccoon River flooded the water treatment facility of Des Moines , shutting off the city 's supply of drinking water
Great Flood of 1993
Great Flood of 1993
Raccoon River