Iowa
Rain garden and stormwater rebates in Iowa
17 programs in Iowa pay residents for rain gardens and stormwater projects. 12 list themselves as open now, and the median maximum is $2,000 per household. 35% ask for a plan, sketch or plant list before they approve a project.
Stormwater utilities and conservation districts share the cost of projects that soak rain into the ground instead of sending it to the storm drain: rain gardens, downspout disconnection, permeable paving, bioswales and dry wells. Many ask for a site sketch and a pre-approval visit.
17 programs
- Open
Waukee Stormwater Grant Program
City of Waukee Stormwater (MS4) Program
50% of qualifying costs; $1,000 per BMP; $5,000 per single-family/townhome property; rain barrels $50 or amount paid
Up to $5,000 per household
- Open
Clive Stormwater Assistance Program (SwAP)
City of Clive Public Works
Rain barrels full reimbursement up to $75 each incl. stand (max 6); cisterns 50% up to $1,500; landscaping projects 25-50% up to $4,000
Up to $4,000 per household
- OpenPlan required
Cedar Rapids Stormwater BMP Cost-Share Program (Residential)
City of Cedar Rapids Public Works - Sewer Division
50% of qualifying materials and/or contractor labor, up to $2,000 per residential project
Up to $2,000 per household
- Open
Coralville Stormwater Quality BMP Cost Share
City of Coralville
50% of cost up to $2,000
Up to $2,000 per household
- OpenPlan required
Des Moines Stormwater BMP Subsidy Program
City of Des Moines Public Works (Clean Water Program)
Reimburses 50% of reasonable materials and labor, up to $2,000 per property
Up to $2,000 per household
- Open
Johnston Homeowner Stormwater BMP Grant Program
City of Johnston Community Development / Public Works
Up to 50% match, max $1,250; rain barrels up to $75 (one per address, one time)
Up to $1,250 per household
- Open
Dubuque Stormwater BMP Material Assistance Program
City of Dubuque Engineering Department
Up to $1,000 or 50% of total project cost, whichever is less; materials only
Up to $1,000 per household
- Open
Windsor Heights Stormwater Best Management Practices Program
City of Windsor Heights Public Works
75% match on soil quality restoration up to $1,000 per property; max $1,000 per project; rain barrel $75; other practices cost-shared at rates on the application form
Up to $1,000 per household
- OpenPlan required
Pleasant Hill Stormwater BMP Reimbursement Program
City of Pleasant Hill Community Development
Up to 50% of cost or $750, whichever is less; rain barrel up to 50% or $75 (one per address)
Up to $750 per household
- Open
Ames SmartWatersheds Rain Garden Rebate
City of Ames Public Works - SmartWatersheds
Up to $500 for single-family homes (materials cost share); up to $1,500 for non-single-family over 20,000 sq ft
Up to $500 per household
- Open
Davenport Stormwater BMP 50/50 Cost Share Program
City of Davenport Public Works
Up to 50% of installation cost (cap not published on page)
- Open
Urbandale Storm Water Grant Program
City of Urbandale Public Works
Dollar limits not on the web page; set in the 2026 Guidelines PDF (limits raised by Council in 2022)
- Status not postedPlan required
North Liberty Stormwater Stewardship Grant
City of North Liberty
Up to $2,000 (percentage match not stated)
Up to $2,000 per household
- Status not posted
Scott County SWCD 50/50 Stormwater Cost Share
Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District
50% cost share, up to $2,000
Up to $2,000 per household
- Status not postedPlan required
Polk SWCD Easter Lake Watershed Cost Share
Polk Soil and Water Conservation District
Percentage not confirmed on page (Iowa State hub says up to 75%)
- Status not posted
West Branch Stormwater BMP Program Grant
City of West Branch
not published
- Out of fundsPlan required
Ankeny Stormwater Reimbursement Program
City of Ankeny Public Works
Up to 50% match, max $1,800 per property address; rain barrels up to $75 (one per address, one time)
Up to $1,800 per household
Other Iowa programs
- Irrigation upgrades 1
- Rain barrels and cisterns 3
- Trees 3
- Native plants and pollinator habitat 1
- Compost and mulch 2
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
Plan the project before you apply
Sow lays out your new planting on a photo of your yard and builds the plant list from plants suited to where you live.