Iowa Regional Utilities Association (IRUA) belongs to the people it serves. As a member-owned nonprofit, IRUA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members and supported every day by a professional staff. Here’s how governance works, who guides the Association, and how you can take part.

A Member-Owned Nonprofit

IRUA is a private, not-for-profit corporation organized under Iowa Code Chapter 504. Every service agreement includes a membership with IRUA, and that membership makes you a part-owner of the Association. Here’s what that means for you:

• Members are property owners. Only property owners can be members. Renters can receive service, and the property owner holds the membership and remains responsible for any unpaid renter bills.
• Service at cost. IRUA provides drinking water and other services to its members at cost, not for profit.
• Members helped build the system. Construction has been financed through USDA Rural Development and CoBank loans, grants, and contributions from members themselves.
• Members have a vote. Members elect the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.

How the Board of Directors Works

A nine-member Board of Directors governs IRUA. Directors represent geographical regions throughout the system, so members across our 18-county service area have a voice in how the Association is run.

• Meets monthly: The Board meets every month to guide the Association and its work.
• Sets rates: The Board sets water rates with the concurrence of IRUA’s lenders, USDA Rural Development and CoBank.
• Elected officers: The Board includes a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
• Chosen by members: Nominees for the Board are listed in the annual meeting notice, and members vote in person or by proxy.

Would you like to address the Board? Contact the IRUA office at 641-792-7011 or info@irua.net, and our staff will help you with the next steps.

Board President

Ron Dunsbergen of Sully serves as president of IRUA’s Board of Directors. In this role, he heads the Board and works alongside his fellow directors to keep the Association focused on its mission: “To provide quality, reliable water and other appropriate services to improve the quality of life of our members and enhance rural development.”

Like every director, the Board president represents members from a region of the system, bringing a local perspective to decisions that affect communities across the service area.

Chief Executive Officer

Matt Mahler, P.E., serves as IRUA’s CEO and Engineer. He heads IRUA’s staff and day-to-day operations, carrying out the direction set by the Board of Directors.

That work spans a large system. According to IRUA’s 2025 Annual Report, the Association has more than 16,000 connections, about 4,770 miles of pipe, and 27 water towers. With a professional engineering background, the CEO helps guide how that system is operated, maintained, and planned for the future.

How the Board and Staff Work Together

IRUA’s governance follows a simple division of roles:

• The Board represents members, sets direction for the Association, and sets rates with the concurrence of IRUA’s lenders.
• The CEO heads the staff and carries out the Board’s direction.
• IRUA staff handle the daily work members rely on: customer service, billing, new service requests, and operating and maintaining the water system.

This structure keeps decisions close to the members who own IRUA while giving the Association the professional support it needs to serve a region comparable in size to the state of Delaware.

The Annual Meeting

Each year, IRUA holds an annual meeting for its members. It’s one of the best ways to stay connected to the Association you help own.

• Board elections: The meeting notice lists the nominees for the Board of Directors.
• Voting: Members can vote in person or by proxy, with one proxy per account number.
• Annual report: IRUA prepares an annual report for members. Current and past reports are available on our Annual Reports page.
• Weather updates: If winter weather affects the meeting, listen to KCOB, KFJB, KOEL, or KCRR for cancellation news.

Watch for the annual meeting notice, and check our News & Alerts page for details about the next meeting.

Transparency and Accountability

Being member-owned means members deserve a clear view of how their Association is run. IRUA keeps members informed in several ways:

• Annual reports: Each year’s report shares a picture of the system, its growth, and its finances.
• Water quality reports: IRUA publishes water quality reports every year on our Water Quality Reports page.
• Responsible funding: The system has been financed through USDA Rural Development and CoBank loans, grants, and member contributions, and rates are set with the concurrence of those lenders.
• Open door: Members who want to address the Board can contact the office at any time during business hours.

Your Role as a Member

Member ownership works best when members stay engaged. Here are a few simple ways to take part:

• Vote: Cast your vote for the Board of Directors at the annual meeting, in person or by proxy.
• Stay informed: Keep your phone number and email current so IRUA’s automated alerts and notices reach you.
• Share your perspective: Contact the office if you’d like to address the Board at a monthly meeting.
• Keep IRUA updated: Let us know before a property sale or rental change so your final reading and bill are accurate.
• Read the reports: Review the annual report to see how the Association is doing.

Common Questions

Does IRUA make a profit?

No. IRUA is a not-for-profit corporation that provides drinking water and other services to its members at cost.

Am I a member of IRUA?

If you own a property with an IRUA service agreement, yes. That agreement includes a membership, which makes you a part-owner of the Association. Renters receive service, but the property owner holds the membership.

How are directors chosen?

Nominees for the Board of Directors are listed in the annual meeting notice. Members vote in person at the annual meeting or by proxy, with one proxy per account number.

Can I speak to the Board?

Yes. The Board meets monthly. If you’d like to address the Board, contact the IRUA office at 641-792-7011 or info@irua.net, and our staff will help you get on the right path.

Who sets my water rates?

IRUA’s Board of Directors sets rates with the concurrence of the Association’s lenders, USDA Rural Development and CoBank. Questions about your bill? Our FAQs page covers billing and payments.

Where can I see how IRUA is doing?

Our Annual Reports page shares each year’s report, and our About IRUA page tells the story of how the Association has grown.

Have a question for IRUA’s leadership, or want to address the Board? We’re here to help. Call 641-792-7011 or toll free at 800-400-6066, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, or visit our Contact IRUA page. You can meet IRUA’s directors and staff below.