FAQs

What is a rain barrel?: A rain barrel is used for collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops by capturing water from a downspout. The water collected in a rain barrel may then be used, at a later time, for watering plants, lawns and gardens. This water would otherwise runoff of your roof through downspouts and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm sewer or waterway. Use the link provided for additional information on storm retention and rain barrels, Stormwater Best Management Practice Program

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Stormwater Department

1. What is a stormwater utility?: The Stormwater Utility was established to provide a stable funding source to maintain the City of Waukee's required stormwater management program and facilities. This utility brings the City into compliance with federal regulations and safeguards our community directly through improved inspection and maintenance of critical storm water infrastructure and indirectly through public education and outreach programs. Please view link provided for additional information. Stormwater Utility

2. What is the stormwater utility rate?: The Residential Rate is $6.75 per month which equals one ERU (Equal Residential Unit = 2,973 square feet of impervious surface area). The Commercial rate is $6.75 per ERU (2,973 square feet of impervious surface area) each month.

3. What to do if you witness anything other than rain water or snow melt entering a storm drain?: During business hours, Monday - Friday, please call the Public Works Department at 515-978-7920. For all other hours, please call the Public Works Emergency 24-Hour phone at 515-249-1212. Or you may use the link provided to report a concern through the ISWEP (Iowa Storm Water Education Program). ISWEP Report a Concern Form

4. When is a stormwater permit required?: A COSESCO permit is required for any site that requires coverage by an NPDES General Permit #2 issued by the IDNR.

5. How do I apply for a COSESCO (Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance) permit?: The COSESCO permit and construction Site SWPP Review Checklist is available on the link provided. If you have questions on completing these forms, please contact the Stormwater Coordinator with questions e-mail: jcorkrean@waukee.org or office phone 515-978-7920. COSESCO permit and SWPPP checklist

6. What is a rain garden/bioretention cell?: A rain garden is a landscaped depression that captures rain water runoff from roofs, driveways/sidewalks, streets or compacted yards (impervious surfaces). The rainfall runoff captured in a rain garden is temporarily ponded, before infiltrating/percolating down through the soil. The installation of a rain garden helps restore a landscape's ability to manage water more sustainably by allowing rainfall to be absorbed through the soil to recharge groundwater and minimize stormwater runoff. Use the link provided for additional information on storm retention and rain gardens,
Stormwater Best Management Practice Program

7. What is a rain barrel?: A rain barrel is used for collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops by capturing water from a downspout. The water collected in a rain barrel may then be used, at a later time, for watering plants, lawns and gardens. This water would otherwise runoff of your roof through downspouts and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm sewer or waterway. Use the link provided for additional information on storm retention and rain barrels, Stormwater Best Management Practice Program