DES MOINES, Iowa (July 13, 2026) — Clean water depends on both urban and rural communities working together, which is why IAWA supports improvement on the landscape in both farms and cityscapes.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) recently announced four new urban water quality projects in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Riverside, and West Burlington. The department is investing nearly $645,000, leveraging an additional $653,000 in local funding for a combined investment of nearly $1.3 million.

These projects complement the conservation work happening across Iowa’s agricultural landscape. Together, urban and rural practices help reduce nutrient loss, improve water quality, and strengthen watersheds from upstream communities to downstream users.

“Clean water is non-negotiable, and communities across Iowa continue to demonstrate that conservation works when partners come together to get this important work done,” said Secretary Naig. “These projects will reduce urban stormwater runoff, improve local waterways, and create healthier communities. By investing in practical, locally led conservation solutions, we’re making progress toward cleaner water while creating places where Iowans can live, work, and recreate.”

The projects feature proven conservation practices including wetlands, bioretention cells, permeable pavement and native plantings. These practices capture and treat stormwater, reduce flooding risks and protect local waterways while providing additional benefits such as wildlife habitat, recreation and public education.

The four newly funded projects include:

• Cedar Falls: Converting an existing detention basin into a stormwater wetland expected to treat approximately 34 million gallons of runoff annually.
• Des Moines: Creating a neighborhood demonstration site using bioretention cells and permeable pavers to improve infiltration and reduce runoff entering the Des Moines River.
• Riverside: Incorporating green infrastructure into a new community wellness center while creating hands-on educational opportunities for local students.
• West Burlington: Installing a bioretention cell at a new trailhead park to filter stormwater before it reaches Hawkeye Creek and the Mississippi River.

Since 2015, IDALS has invested more than $20 million in urban conservation projects, helping leverage more than $56 million in total water quality improvements statewide.

For organizations like the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, these investments reinforce one of our key values: working together. Iowa’s water quality goals are achieved through collaboration. Farmers, cities, conservation partners, and local leaders each play a vital role.

(Adapted from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship press release)