Navigating Drainage and Water Quality
|
Welcome to Rural Waters, ISG's e-newsletter dedicated to supporting rural drainage, lakes, streams, rivers, agriculture, and the environment.
With a balanced approach, ISG designs surface water systems with current technology to mitigate flood damage, minimize maintenance costs, and enhance yields, efficiencies, and water quality—delivering multi-benefit solutions.
|
|
|
|
| Protecting Iowa’s Water Through Connected Solutions
|
|
|
|
Improving water quality in Iowa requires more than isolated fixes. It takes solutions that connect agricultural conservation, watershed planning, and public water and wastewater systems. In this blog, ISG shares how a coordinated, system‑wide approach helps Iowa communities achieve practical, measurable water quality improvements statewide.
|
|
|
|
Issues Facing Rural Drainage |
|
|
|
| Data Centers, Water Usage,
and BMPs
|
|
|
|
As data centers expand into rural areas, meeting best management practices (BMPs) to offset water use has become a key requirement—often driven by owner RFIs from large tech companies. ISG helps organizations that work with data center teams plan and evaluate practical strategies by applying real world experience in water quality, watershed planning, and infrastructure to reduce water usage and promote water reuse. This is work we are actively delivering today in Iowa and Ohio. Contact us to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Let's Connect: Upcoming Conferences |
|
|
|
May 20
Professional Development Session + Social Hour
Mankato, MN
This session, hosted by ISG and the Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), will be led by ISG Performance Coach Kinzee Miest and focus on navigating difficult conversations, serving as a precursor to the 2026 Ag Drainage + Future of Water Quality Field Tour.
May 21
2026 Ag Drainage + Future of Water Quality Field Tour
Madison Lake, MN
Join ISG for a field‑based look at our rural water and agricultural drainage projects, showcasing how water solutions are applied in real‑world landscapes.
|
|
| |
Funding + Grant Opportunities |
|
|
|
ISG's funding specialists excel in securing grants, having obtained over $45 million in public and private funding across the Midwest. Our connections with local, state, and federal agencies ensure swift, tailored grant applications that meet criteria and boost acceptance rates. Continuously updated on federal and state funding, our team navigates evolving programs, guiding clients toward optimal opportunities. With a focus on legislative awareness, we maximize funding, leveraging every available dollar for impactful projects.
Check below for upcoming funding opportunities, success stories, and resources on navigating the complexities of grant applications for your drainage and
water quality initiatives.
H2Ohio Conservation Ditch Program
H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program
- Eligible Projects: Natural infrastructure projects that focus on nutrient reduction and water quality improvement in Northwest Ohio
-
Projects should be located in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed
- Non-competitive application process, applications are accepted on a
rolling basis. -
More info: H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
BWSR Multipurpose Drainage Management Grants
- Eligible Applicants: Local Government Units
-
Eligible Projects: Multipurpose drainage practices in priority Chapter 103E systems that target key pollution sources to reduce erosion, sediment, peak flows, and flooding, while improving water quality, maintaining system efficiency, and lowering maintenance. Includes on-field, on-farm, and drainage system practices within the benefited area or watershed.
-
Upcoming Application Deadlines: May 29, 2026; August 31, 2026; November 30, 2026; February 25, 2027; and May 27, 2027
|
|
|
|
| Center for Watershed Protection National Watershed + Stormwater Conference
Charlotte, NC
|
|
|
|
ISG team members recently attended the Center for Watershed Protection’s 2026 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference, a national forum focused on watershed resilience, stormwater management, and protecting water resources from headwaters to coasts. The conference brought together practitioners, researchers, and regulators to share case studies, technical sessions, and practical strategies. This included ISG's work on batch and builds, aquifer recharging wetlands, and drainage water recycling. Check out our adventures on the water during the conference!
|
|
|
|
|
iStorm Conference + Exhibition
Cedar Falls, IA
|
|
|
|
Connecting with stormwater professionals from across Iowa, ISG participated in the iStorm conference and exhibition in Cedar Falls to discuss “Weathering the storm: Adapting together for resilient communities." We shared ISG perspectives through an in‑conference presentation and onsite conversations and returned with refreshed strategies for informing practical, resilient stormwater practices tailored to local needs and evolving expectations. We brought back takeaways to our projects and clients to help inform practical, resilient stormwater strategies tailored to local needs and evolving expectations.
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota Association of Drainage Inspectors
Willmar, MN
|
|
|
|
ISG presented at the Minnesota Association of Drainage Inspectors (MADI) conference on Public Drainage Projects: Journey in Recent Controversial Waters, sharing real‑world case studies from complex drainage improvement and repair projects across southern Minnesota. Drawing on experience navigating environmental review, agency coordination, and stakeholder intervention, the session highlighted practical lessons for managing regulatory challenges, drainage authority decision‑making, and project outcomes in highly scrutinized watersheds.
|
|
|
|
| Drainage Project Recognized as ACEC State + National Honoree
Washington, D.C.
|
|
|
|
ISG’s Martin County Ditch No. 28 Nutrient Treatment Train has earned both a state Grand Award and a National Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC—recognizing a forward-thinking approach to agricultural drainage and water quality. Developed with Martin County, the solution combines a nutrient treatment wetland and two-stage ditch to reduce runoff, stabilize streambanks, and protect the Fairmont Chain of Lakes, a regional drinking water source. Read more.
|
|
|
|
| Soil and Water Conservation Society Launches
Minnesota Chapter
|
|
|
|
The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is launching a Minnesota chapter, creating a new space for conservation professionals to connect, share ideas, and advance locally driven soil and water solutions. The chapter kickoff leads into an upcoming field tour with ISG, offering a chance to continue the conversation on conservation practices, drainage challenges, and community‑focused water stewardship across Minnesota.
|
|
|
|
Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning
|
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
115 East Hickory Street Suite 300 | Mankato, MN 56001 US
|
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
