2023 - Des Moines Stormwater Detention Basin Water

Project Partners

• City of Des Moines

  
  

  
  

  
  

Grant award: $500,000 - WQI  

Total project: $3,700,000

Applicant/Partner Contributions: : $3,200,000

Summary
A Des Moines stormwater dry detention basin has been retrofitted into a stormwater wetland to further address water quality in the city.

Description
The Jackson Avenue Stormwater Detention Basin retrofit converted a dry detention basin located off the Des Moines River and 14th street into a stormwater wetland that addresses water quality. A study evaluated 40 detention basins to find the best opportunities to upgrade them to water quality stormwater wetlands. The Jackson site treated the largest amount of water quality volume before it outlet into the Des Moines River. This retrofit is the largest Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s urban conservation project to date, treating over 1,378 acres of Des Moines developed landscape. Additional amenities are planned to allow this area to be incorporated into public open spaces within the City.

The project is currently in construction (July 2026).

Practices

• Stormwater Wetlands