AMES CONNECTION TO
CLEAN STREAMS AND LAKES
All storm water in Ames moves across the land surface and discharges to a low point in the landscape, for most of Ames that is a local stream. The area that is drained is called a watershed. We all live in a watershed and how we manage our yards and parking lots has an impact on our stream and lake water quality.
Major
watersheds in Ames include:
What are the Water Quality Concerns?
When it rains in most areas of Ames the storm water is collected in street drains that discharge directly to our local streams. That storm water moves across surfaces such as streets and lawns and carries any pollutants along with it directly to our local streams.
What is the Ames Smart Watershed Program?
The Ames Public Works Department coordinates a storm water program in cooperation with other City departments and local partners. This program emphasizes storm water and watershed education and outreach, watershed projects that include installation of practices to improve water quality in Ames, municipal pollution prevention and promotion of storm water best management practices. It also engages the community to make changes in behavior that will improve water quality.
City of Ames Smart Watershed Partner Program -click here for more information
Education Programs
| Residential Campaign | |
| Sustainable lawn care, pollution prevention, storm drain stenciling, storm water best management practices | |
| Commercial Campaign | |
| Car dealerships, lawn care service provides, veterinarians and other businesses | |
| School Program | |
| Educational resources and presentations to local schools | |
| Builders and Contractors | |
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Rain Garden Workshops (none scheduled at this time - please contact
Jake Moore, Storm Water Specialist, at 515-239-5287)
Watershed Projects
Watershed Assessment Program including monitoring
College Creek Watershed
Emerson Drive Storm Water Gallery Project, partners: Public Works, Parks and Recreation Dept., ISU Landscape Architecture School, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Improvement Review Board, U.S. EPA Region VII
Daley Park Stream Buffer Project, partners: Public Works, Parks and Recreation Dept., ISU School of Natural Resources, U.S. EPA Region VII
Ada Hayden Watershed
Restoration Projects and Permeable Pavement and Restoration Projects, Ames Parks and Recreation Dept., Prairie Rivers RC&D
Municipal Pollution Prevention Program
What are pollutants in storm water?
Bacteria from pet, animal, and waterfowl wastes, and improperly functioning septic systems
Nutrients from excessive and improper use of fertilizers
Hydrocarbons and other chemical pollutants from motor vehicle fluids, improperly disposed of paints, oils, and antifreeze
Pesticide residues from excessive and improper use of lawn chemicals
Thermal pollution of storm water discharges from heated impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways and parking lots
Learn more - what you can do to help:
Sweep any fertilizer residue off of sidewalks, driveways and streets
Try native grass turf in your yard
Capture rooftop rain in a rain barrel and use that for watering your gardens
Wash your car on your lawn or take it to a commercial car wash
