Stormwater Department
The Stormwater Department is responsible for managing the City’s storm water runoff. Storm water includes rainfall and melted snow. Runoff refers to that portion of storm water which is not absorbed directly into the ground. If left uncontrolled, storm water runoff can lead to flooding, stream channel degradation, and increased water pollution.
The City manages runoff through the use of drainage easements, detention basins, and storm water pipes, which safely collect and route storm water runoff. The City’s existing storm water system includes:
- Over 110 miles of public storm pipe
- Over 5,000 public storm water structures (intakes, cleanouts, outlet structures)
- Over 200 detention basins
Stormwater Management Program
The City of Altoona is considered an MS4 community (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System). In accordance with the Clean Water Act, the EPA, and Iowa DNR, the City of Altoona was issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This permit requires the City to establish a storm water management program including the following:
- Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
- Post-Construction Storm Water Management
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Involvement and Participation
Report a Stormwater Issue
For reporting a storm water related problem, please contact Altoona City Hall at (515) 967-5136 or report a question or concern online here:
Watersheds
Altoona is located within three watersheds. Learn more about the management of these watersheds through the links below:
Four Mile Creek Watershed Management Authority
Mud Camp Spring Creek Watershed Management Authority
WFPO Program
Polk County received federal funding from the Watershed Flood and Prevention Operations (WFPO) program to develop a watershed plan. Learn more about this project here:
Pond Management
Polk County offers the below resource videos regarding pond management. Please click the links to be directed to a YouTube video created by Polk County.
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