West Des Moines, IA

What is Stormwater?            

Stormwater is the flow of water that results from precipitation and which occurs immediately following rainfall or as a result of snowmelt. When a precipitation event occurs, several things happen to the water. Some of the precipitation infiltrates into the soil surface, some is taken up by plants, and some is evaporated into the atmosphere. Stormwater runoff is the remainder of the precipitation that flows off land surfaces and impervious areas into storm sewers and drainageways.

Interested in learning more about how West Des Moines handles stormwater? An inside look at the MS4 permit and the Stormwater Assistance Program in West Des Moines - Iowa Environmental Council (iaenvironment.org)

Why is it Important to Manage Stormwater?

Stormwater management involves the control of stormwater runoff and is critical for two reasons: one related to the volume and timing of runoff water and the other related to potential contaminants that the water carries.

As urbanization occurs, less precipitation infiltrates into the ground and more stormwater runoff is generated. This can result in more frequent flooding, sediment deposition, erosion, and stream instability. When proper stormwater management is implemented, this runoff is directed to a stormwater management facility where it is temporarily stored and released at a rate equivalent to the conditions prior to development. When properly designed and maintained, stormwater management facilities significantly reduce the potential for downstream flooding conditions.

Before reaching the stormwater management facility, stormwater runoff travels across rooftops, grassed areas, pavements, and agricultural fields and accumulates pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, sediment, metals, and bacteria. When this runoff is temporarily stored in a stormwater management facility these pollutants have the opportunity to settle out, thus improving the quality of the downstream waterway.

Interested in making a difference on your property? Take a look at this Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management and check out the Stormwater Assistance Program: https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/swap

Unless infeasible, preserve topsoil - IDNR General Permit#2 Part IV.D.2.A.(2)(c)

What Does the City do to Address Stormwater Management?

In order to effectively manage stormwater runoff, the City of West Des Moines Public Services Department provides the following services:

• Flood Control
• Operation and Maintenance
• Pollution Prevention

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Draining Pools and Spas

To protect the quality of water entering nearby ponds, rivers, and streams, do NOT discharge pool or spa water into our storm sewer system!

Chlorine and other chemicals in pool and spa water can be hazardous to humans and deadly for freshwater aquatic life. Follow these tips when it’s time to empty your pool or spa:

• Don’t drain pool and spa water into the street, gutter, intakes, storm drains, or waterways.
• Pool and spa water can be discharged to the sanitary sewer system if done per City requirements and guidelines.
• If unable to drain to the sanitary sewer, before draining a pool or spa, let the water sit for at least seven days without adding salt, chlorine, or other chemicals.
• If water is drained on the vegetative ground, chlorine levels need to be below 0.1 mg/L and the pH is to be between 6.5 and 8.5 before draining.
• If water is drained on the ground, drain across at least 15 feet of grass (not concrete) to allow any remaining chemicals to dissipate before reaching the storm drain.
• Keep the water flow low, about 12 gallons per minute to prevent erosion of soil and landscaping.
• If proper steps are not taken, draining pool and spa water to a storm sewer system or water ways is considered an illicit discharge and subject to penalties in certain situations per Iowa DNR and U.S. EPA regulations.

Questions? Just call the West Des Moines Engineer Services Department at (515) 222-3475.

 

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These services are supported by the Stormwater Utility. For more information on the Stormwater Utility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.