Homeowner Grant Program

The City of Johnston has established a Stormwater Homeowner Grant Program! This program allows Johnston homeowners to incorporate Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their property to aid in the improvement of water quality and decrease the water quantity entering our streams, ponds, and storm sewers. The program is intended to help cover the cost of materials and/or contractor labor to install such practices.

The City of Johnston will provide up to a 50% match on BMPs constructed, with a maximum reimbursement amount of $1,250. Rain barrels will be funded at a maximum of $75, limit of one per address. The funding may be utilized for multiple practices. Applicants may utilize this program in multiple fiscal years for various BMP projects, with the exception of rain barrels which are available one time only. Funding is available to applicants on a first come basis and is subject to the approval of the Community Development Department staff and director.

Some BMPs include rain gardens/bioretention cells, rain barrels, pervious pavement systems, soil quality restoration, and native planting gardens/buffers/swales. There are many benefits to native plants. They love our Iowa weather and can survive when it is hot or cold or rainy or dry. Their deep root systems get them water in the summer and help make loose, rich soil that soaks up rain like a sponge. These plants also add much needed habitat and food for butterflies, insects, and birds.

Apply Today!

Apply for the Stormwater Homeowner Grant Program. Click here for the application form. Please read the instructions and conditions about the program which are listed on the application form before submitting your application. Practices must be approved prior to start of work with the exception of rain barrels which may have reimbursement requested within 30 days of purchase provided a dated receipt is provided with the application.

Contact Clayton Ender through email or by calling 515-727-7763 for more information.

What can I do to Prevent Water Pollution? There are a number of practices homeowners can use on their properties to limit their impact on stormwater runoff and quality. A detailed toolbox of techniques and practices, as well as a list of contractors trained to do the work is available on the Rainscaping Iowa website.

Also, the following is a list of practices you can begin today to help become part of the solution to preventing water pollution:

Home Maintenance
Buy household products such as cleaners and furniture polish labeled "non toxic." Use small quantities and purchase only the amount you need. • Properly use and store all toxic products, including cleaners, solvents and paints. Use up paint cleaners and other products or share leftovers with a neighbor. • Take household hazardous materials and containers to a hazardous material collection center. • Use kitty litter or other absorbent materials to clean spills. Depending on the substance, dispose absorbents in the trash can or at a hazardous materials collection center. • Rinse water-based paint brushes in the sink. Filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners. Dispose of used thinner, oil and latex paint at a hazardous materials collection center. • Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by animals. • Control erosion during construction to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains.

Lawn and Garden
Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in accordance with label instructions. Do not apply before rain, or during strong winds, and dispose leftovers at a hazardous materials collection center. • Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings. Put leaves and clippings in a separate yard waste cart or a compost pile. • Divert rain spouts and garden hoses from paved surfaces onto grass to allow water to filter through the soil. Water only your lawn and garden. • Pick up animal waste and dispose in the trash can.