Rain gardens and stormwater projects · Iowa

Ames SmartWatersheds Rain Garden Rebate

Run by City of Ames Public Works - SmartWatersheds

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Up to $500 for single-family homes (materials cost share); up to $1,500 for non-single-family over 20,000 sq ft
Maximum
$500 per household
Who qualifies
City of Ames property owners (not repeat recipients). Single-family and manufactured homes capped at $500.
Where
Property owners within Ames city limits.
Status
Open. Subject to availability of funds.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install a rain garden downslope of a roof downspout after a soil percolation test, then claim materials cost.

Requirements

  • Preapproval necessary to ensure funds are available
  • Percolation and ribbon soil test per Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation Manual; do not build if soil drains poorly
  • At least 50% of plants native to Iowa
  • Minimum 6 inches amended soil (50% sand, 30% compost, 20% low-clay topsoil)
  • Call Iowa One Call before digging
  • Photos and receipts within 30 days of completion
  • City may inspect
  • One rebate per owner; materials only

How to apply

  1. 1Contact the city for preapproval
  2. 2Locate flat area downslope of downspouts, call Iowa One Call
  3. 3Do soil percolation test and install per the manual
  4. 4Submit Survey123 application with soil percolation rate, photo of finished garden and receipts within 30 days
  5. 5City mails check

Timing and deadlines

not published

Photos and receipts within 30 days of completion

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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