U.S. Environmental Protection Agency MS-4 stormwater regulatory requirements prompted our founding in 2005. Since our founding, the goal of the Iowa Stormwater Management Partnership (ISWEP) is twofold: Support compliant and effective local stormwater management programs with unified education and outreach delivered statewide.

The majority of Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4) cities in Iowa are members of ISWEP. We are also comprised of educational organizations, professional firms, businesses, and individuals.Membership with ISWEP includes access to our educational toolbox resources, access to a library of training materials, check out of stormwater displays and items for community events, and localized training events and discounts.

ISWEP creates and provides its members with educational tools and resources that are used locally to help inform the public about the importance of clean stormwater and how to prevent pollution and soak up more rainfall. These resources are developed for and distributed to numerous target audiences including:  city staff and councils, homeowners, builders, developers, contractors, business owners, and children.

The second area of focus is training. ISWEP certification programs set a statewide standard to assist with implementation of stormwater regulations that includes the use and maintenance of appropriate pollution prevention practices. Events are held across the state every year.  Additional training events address green infrastructure and urban stormwater management.

ISWEP partnered with SouthGate Companies and Iowa State University to conduct soil quality restoration research.  The project has been completed and the results are available in the attached guide.  The bottom line: after construction till or rip soils before seeding or sodding.  Compost amendments can enhance the organic matter content of soils providing additional soil health benefits.

Produced by ISWEP, the Water Warriors video series is a  journey across Iowa to meet with individuals protecting stormwater resources. The first class of Water Warriors includes seven professionals in Iowa that are making significant strides in water quality protection and enhancement. The short interviews were featured at the 2022 IStorm Conference. Watch the video here!

ISWEP has partnered with IDALS and Polk County SWCD to implement the Rain Campaign. Like an umbrella, our built environment sheds water instead of allowing it to naturally soak into the ground leading to flooding and water quality problems. To achieve goals of better stormwater management and improved local water quality, cities across the Des Moines Metro have created funding programs for the residents to make it easier for them to be a part of these water solutions.

Every two years ISWEP conducts the Stormwater Utility Fee and Management Survey to determine current utility rates and stormwater program capacities. ISWEP completed surveying cities across Iowa in late 2022 and has published the results for member organizations. Results are available. Results discovered through the survey will help communities make informed decisions about creating a new utility or for altering existing utilities.

ISWEP has partnered with the Iowa DNR to host workshops intended for professionals dealing with industrial and commercial facilities and stormwater permitting, which involves General Permits #1 and #3. This training opportunity has been developed to help those facilities understand their permitting requirements, develop pollution prevention plans, and implement best management practices with the goal of staying in compliance.