City of Ames
Smart Watershed Program
Partner Description
In an effort to protect the quality of our local streams and lakes, the following services and products are available through local businesses that have agreed to be a Watershed Partner. These partners understand the importance of storm water management and yard maintenance and how this impacts our stream and lake water quality.
If your business would like to become a Smart Watershed Partner, please complete the required application form and submit to the Public Works Department, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, or fax to Jake Moore at 515-239-5404.
Click here to view a chart of participating Smart Watershed
Partners and their associated products and services.
Rebates
Rain Barrels
Click on the links below for information on the Rain Barrel Rebate Program:
Rain Gardens
Products
Rain Barrels
The partner agrees to offer their customers rain barrels that can be used to capture storm water generated from rooftops and used only for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and watering of gardens.
Rain Garden and Native Landscaping Native Iowa Flowers (forbs) and Grasses
The partner agrees to provide their customers with native Iowa flowers (forbs) and grasses from approved lists such as: http://prrcd.org/inl/recommended_plants.htm.
Phosphorus-Free (P-Free) Fertilizers
The partner agrees to provide their customers with the option of purchasing phosphorus-free fertilizers for routine lawn maintenance.
Services
Phosphorus-Free (P-Free) Fertilizers
and Pollution Prevention for Lawn Care Providers
The partner agrees to
provide their customers with the option of using phosphorus-free
fertilizers for routine lawn maintenance. They also agree to use the
following pollution prevention measures:
Sweep up any excess fertilizer and
pesticides from streets, sidewalks, and driveways
Sweep up or blow grass clippings
and leaves off of streets, sidewalks, and driveways
Use only recommended application
rates
Will not apply fertilizers onto frozen soils or near stream and lake edges.
Soil Quality Restoration
The partner agrees to provide their customers with soil quality restoration services for new and/or established lawns or properties. They may provide some or all of the following services:
Existing Lawns: Deep aeration,
application of a thin layer of compost and/or choice to reseed
New Lawns: Deep ripping of soils, and/or application of compost or topsoil with high organic matter content
The City of Ames does not endorse any specific businesses through this program.