2024 - Belle Plaine Wellfield
Wetland Restoration Project

Project Partners

• CITY OF BELLE PLAINE

• Iowa Department of Natural ResourceS

• Iowa Geological Survey

• Middle Iowa River Watershed Authority

• Fehr Graham

Grant award: $250,000 - WQI  

Total project: $550,000 

Applicant/Partner Contributions: $300,000

Summary
A stormwater wetland was constructed at Belle Plaine’s wellfield. This project improves the water quality of stormwater runoff from 274 acres of rural and urban areas. The wetland has the capability to retain and facilitate the slow release of storm events which reduces nutrient and stormwater pollutant loads. This project also benefits the recharge zone of the wellfield and provide wildlife habitat.

Description

This is the first phase of multiple wetlands to be constructed in Belle Plaine.

Belle Plaine was previously located in a D4 -Exceptional Drought area facing water restrictions, shortages, and water discoloration.  During this time, Belle Plaine supplemented with bottled water to provide drinking water to their community. 

The watershed draining to the proposed wetland supplies critical drinking water for the Belle Plaine community. This innovative project provides a perfect location for implementing nutrient reduction and a sustainable source of water to provide drought resilience and flood control. Any surplus water that flows through the wetland will filter out through adjacent federally held wildlands and the Middle Iowa River watershed.

This area was formerly a wetland that had been drained.  Soils are highly conducive to wetland restoration.  The Iowa Geological Survey mapped the soils and geology of the site using electro-resistivity, soil borings, and test wells. The goal of the project is to restore the wetlands, saturating the upper layers of soil especially in the glacial till areas to naturally recharge the aquifer.

Building drought resistance into this project provides long -term sustainability, improves water quality, provides flood reduction benefits, creates uninterrupted habitat for wildlife, and the potential for recreation, education, and community enrichment programs. 

The City of Belle Plaine is committed to water quality monitoring to test the water both entering and exiting the wetland and comparing historical data.  Wayfinding markers and informational signs will be posted along the wetland that will be viewable along two scenic byways (Lincoln Highway and Iowa River Byways on Highway 21).

Project Status
Completed June 2026

Practices
5.6-acre stormwater wetland, pre-treatment sediment forebay, and native landscaping.