West Des Moines, IA
Home MenuStormwater Assistance Program (SWAP)
Stormwater Basics
Stormwater is water that runs off from impervious surfaces (paved surfaces, roofs, and compacted lawns) from rain, snow melt, and surface drainage. As the stormwater drains over the landscape, it can collect sediment, contaminants, litter, nutrients, and other pollutants. Allowing rainwater to infiltrate/percolate or slow down close to the point of contact with an impervious surface provides pollutants and sediment a chance to settle out rather than continuing downstream to a drainage way, creek, or river.
More information regarding stormwater basics can be found on our website: Stormwater Management | West Des Moines, IA (iowa.gov)
Additional resources can be found at raincampaign.org or Welcome • Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership
Reimbursement Program
The City of West Des Moines has developed a reimbursement program to assist City residents with installing water quality improvement projects on their properties. The goal of this program is to encourage residents to reduce stormwater runoff, collect stormwater for yard/garden use, and improve the soil quality of their properties. Eligible practices include rain barrels, soil quality restoration (SQR), rain gardens, and native landscaping.
The program is intended to help offset the cost of materials and/or contractor labor to install water quality improvements. Funding is available to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to the approval of the West Des Moines Engineering Services Department. City approval is required prior to any installation. Properties that are developed as part of new subdivisions are not eligible for reimbursement. City approval is required prior to any work occurring. Project installation without City approval is not guaranteed reimbursement.
Our program offers increased funding for Homeowner Association Projects compared to traditional residential applications, recognizing the significant impact these projects have on water quality. If your HOA is interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact us at SWAP@wdm.iowa.gov for more information.
Rain BarrelsResidents are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $75. Limit one rain barrel reimbursement per address. Rain Barrels are used for the collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops via a downspout. Water collected can be used to water plants, lawns, and gardens. Rain barrels help reduce stormwater runoff and encourage stormwater conservation. Existing used rain barrels or individuals who have previously received a reimbursement will not be eligible. Eligible rain barrels must be at least 50 gallons in size.
More information can be found at raincampaign.org/rainbarrels |
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Soil Quality Restoration (SQR)The City will match 50% of the SQR cost up to $1,500. Limit one SQR reimbursement per year per address. SQR is the process of improving soil health on new or existing lawns. The process uses aeration, composting, and overseeding to promote infiltration and organic matter content in the topsoil. SQR leads to healthier, more functional soils and allows landscapes to absorb more rain and shed less runoff.
More information can be found at raincampaign.org/sqr
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Rain GardensThe City will match 50% of the Rain Garden cost up to $1,500. Limit of $1,500 reimbursement per property for Rain Garden Projects. Rain Gardens are functional landscape features that capture rainfall and helps the water soak into the ground. Rain gardens can be used to capture runoff from roofs, driveways, or yards- helping you to better manage drainage or ponding issues while reducing dirty stormwater runoff flowing into local waterways.
More information can be found at raincampaign.org/raingarden |
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Native LandscapingThe City will match 50% of the Native Landscaping cost up to $1,500. Limit of $1,500 reimbursement per property for Native Landscaping Projects. If strategically placed native plants can increase your property’s ability to soak in and manage stormwater. By using Iowa native plants, we can address drainage issues while providing a natural landscape, pollinator habitat, and even natural privacy. The project will be approved at the discretion of the WDM engineering department with the goal of functionality and water quality in mind.
More information can be found at raincampaign/native-landscaping |
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Additional Stormwater Practices
Find more Rainscaping Practices (raincampaign.org)
Area Contractors/Plant Suppliers
Reimbursement Application Form
Download the SWAP Application Form
Application Submission
Submit the completed application to the City of West Des Moines Engineering Services Department for review at the following:
City of West Des Moines Engineering Services
c/o: Stormwater Assistance Program
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
P. O. Box 65320
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265-0320
OR
Submit by email to swap@wdm.iowa.gov
Attach a location map, project description, cost summary and project schedule with the application.
Conditions
•Rain barrels, one per address, are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $75. Eligible rain barrels must be at least 50 gallons in size.
•Rain Garden and Native Landscaping projects are eligible for a 50% match with a maximum reimbursement of $1,500.
•Soil Quality Restoration projects are eligible for a 50% match with a maximum reimbursement of $1,500 per year per address.
•The funding may be utilized for multiple practices, however, the maximum amount reimbursed will not exceed $1500 total.
•Applicants may utilize this program in multiple fiscal years for soil quality restoration (SQR) projects.
•City approval is required prior to any work occurring. Project installation without City approval is not guaranteed reimbursement.
•To be eligible for reimbursement, all receipts for material and/or contract labor expenses incurred by the applicant and pictures of the installation must be submitted for reimbursement.
•After submitting all final costs, receipts, pictures and any other required information, the City will reimburse the applicant for eligible expenses within approximately 30 days.
•The City may require access to the property for evaluation of the application prior to, during and after construction.
•Implementation of an approved project is the sole responsibility of the property owner.
•The City of West Des Moines is not liable for personal injury or property damage resulting from said work.
•Projects approved for funding carry no implied warranty by the City of West Des Moines.
•The property owners are responsible for the maintenance and associated costs for the funded practice.
•The applicant is responsible for obtaining all applicable permits. Approval of this application does not constitute a permit.
•Notify Iowa One Call (#811) before beginning ground disturbing construction.
•Stormwater best management practices (BMP) shall meet design criteria in the Iowa DNR Iowa Storm Water Management Manual and applicable City requirements. iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/NPDES-Storm-Water/Storm-Water-Manual
Photography Credit: raincampaign.org