How to Get the Stormwater Assistance Program (SWAP)

What you get

Reimburses a 50% match, up to $1,500 total per property, for rain gardens, native landscaping, and soil-quality restoration. New housing developments are not eligible. First-come, first-served, and City approval is required before any work begins (City of West Des Moines; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: 50% match, up to $1,500 total per property

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of West Des Moines customer
• Property located in: West Des Moines
• West Des Moines resident (new housing developments not eligible)
• Rain garden, native landscaping, or soil-quality restoration
• City approval required before starting work; first-come, first-served

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of West Des Moines and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.