Stormwater Wetlands Improve Drinking Water Quality in Belle Plaine 10-23-2026

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Urban Conservation Team is partnering with the City of Belle Plaine to build two stormwater wetlands on the city’s wellfield to improve drinking water quality and strengthen the community’s drought resilience. Completed last summer, Phase 1 treats stormwater runoff from 274 acres of both rural and urban land. By capturing and slowly releasing runoff, the 5.6-acre wetland helps reduce nutrients and other stormwater pollutants before reaching other waterways downstream.

Phase 2 designs are currently in progress. The project will add a sediment forebay and a second, larger stormwater wetland that captures sediment and pollutants, and expands treatment to a 385-acre drainage area. In addition to improving water quality, the project will support groundwater recharge in the wellfield and provide valuable wildlife habitat. This project is an excellent example of how wetlands can offer benefits to both rural and urban stakeholders. Partners include City of Belle Plaine, Iowa DNR, Iowa Geological Survey, Middle Iowa River Watershed Authority, Fehr Graham, and University of Iowa – Hydroscience and Engineering

Cities and counties are encouraged to apply for IDALS’ urban conservation cost-share grants by Friday, Nov. 6 at iowaagriculture.gov/news/urban-water-quality-project-apps.