Water Resource | Fall 2025 Newsletter

Discover creative water solutions in this edition of ISG’s Water Resource newsletter, from cutting-edge stormwater technology to sustainable irrigation systems.

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Restoring Big Swan Lake: How a Nature-Based
Delta is Cutting
Phosphorus Pollution
Burtrum, MN

Big Swan Lake is getting a first-of-its-kind restoration at Schwanke Creek, tackling the largest source of phosphorus entering the lake. ISG and partners are using a nature-based delta restoration to slow water, capture sediment, and restore 29 acres of wetland while enhancing biodiversity. Learn how this innovative approach is projected to cut 44 pounds of phosphorus annually and create a
self-regulating ecosystem.

Revealing and Restoring Hidden Drainage Networks

In southern Minnesota, century-old stormwater systems like Brewster’s Judicial Ditch No. 4 and Cambria Township’s County Ditch No. 47 were failing, but their buried conditions made the full extent of damages nearly impossible to see. ISG solved this challenge with its Envirosite HD Pipe Crawler, a high-definition robotic camera that travels deep inside underground tiles to deliver real-time video of cracks, root blockages, and flow problems.

In Brewster, the crawler revealed root-choked pipes and failing infrastructure. The crawler's discovery enabled data-driven repairs, BWSR grant funding, and prioritized upgrades. In Cambria Township, the crawler inspected over 34,000 feet of a century-old system, producing actionable reports that confirmed the need for major repairs and guided a feasibility study. By making the invisible visible, ISG is setting a new standard for drainage assessment and giving communities a clear path toward sustainable stormwater systems.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship (IDALS)

Cost-share grants to support urban conservation and water quality projects as part of Iowa's nutrient reduction strategy
Pre-applications are due by Nov. 21
More information

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Multipurpose Drainage Management (MDM) Requests for Proposal (RFP)

Funds practices that provide water quality benefits to drainage projects
Opening with $900,000 for full-year 2026
Awards made through quarterly batching periods
First batching period closes on November 26, 2025
Overall application period will close on February 26, 2026

Water Quality and Storage Grants RFP

Opens on October 30, 2025
Provides financial assistance to model, design, and construct projects and practices that will control water volume and rates
Eligible applicants are local units of government and tribal governments
Funding is $4,500,000, with up to $500,000 available for modeling and conceptual design applications
Application period ends on December 23, 2025

More grant applications will be open soon. Contact our grants team to discuss grant opportunities and begin preparing for upcoming applications today!

ISG Advances
Sustainable Irrigation in Residential Projects

In Medina and Lino Lakes, Minnesota, ISG is leading the design of water reuse irrigation systems that reduce reliance on municipal water supplies. The Medina project, a 29-acre multifamily development adjacent to a large wetland, incorporates detention basins that capture stormwater for reuse. To ensure consistent supply during drought conditions, the system includes a well and automated pumping equipment that maintains water levels and notifies the homeowners’ association when activated. The Lino Lakes project, spanning about 30 acres with multifamily and senior housing alongside commercial spaces, also features detention basins. Given the site’s sensitivity to groundwater and its phased development approach, ISG is evaluating strategies such as drought-tolerant landscaping and careful calibration of irrigation demand to reduce stress on local aquifers.

What makes these systems unique is their community-level approach to water management. Instead of individual homeowners relying on the public system, stormwater is captured, stored, and reused for irrigation, creating a cyclical model that mirrors natural hydrology. This approach reduces costs since well water and stormwater require minimal pumping compared with treated municipal water. They also improve sustainability by supporting healthy landscapes while keeping water available for multiple uses. Through thoughtful system design and regional planning, these projects demonstrate how ISG and its partners can deliver long-term benefits for both residents and the surrounding environment.

Dr. Rose Mumbi Joins ISG to Elevate Water Solutions Across the Midwest

ISG is proud to welcome Dr. Rose Mumbi to the team, bringing with her a specialization in soil chemistry, phosphorus dynamics, and nutrient reduction. Her expertise strengthens ISG’s ability to deliver science-driven solutions for communities in Minnesota, Ohio, Iowa, and beyond, tackling watershed and agricultural water challenges with practical, impactful strategies.

Make an Impact with ISG’s Water Business Unit

ISG employees are empowered to grow their careers, make a real impact, and take ownership of their work. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member is an owner, sharing in the firm’s success and helping shape its future while benefiting from a culture built on accountability, engagement, and trust.

We're invested in employee success thanks to the following programs: