Water Quality Commission

History
The Water Quality Commission (WQC) was established in 2001 to provide a steady funding source – using local money as a match to state and federal revenues – for water quality projects for lakes in Dickinson County. This one-of-a-kind organization in the state is comprised of 18 commissioners who represent the county and its ten municipalities. Among the many objectives of the WQC are: To bring a minimum of $3 in federal, state and private matching funds to every $1 administered by the WQC and provide an outlet for individuals and organizations in the Dickinson County communities that are looking for money to improve water quality.

In its first year of operation in 2001, the WQC had a pool of $100,000 to grant to water quality projects to improve lakes in Dickinson County. In each subsequent year, the WQC has administered $200,000 in water quality projects.

The 28- E agreement that created the WQC is in effect until 2009, and automatically renews for a two year period thereafter.

More information:
WQC Handbook
DICKINSON COUNTY WATER QUALITY COMMISSION PROJECT PROPOSAL APPLICATION.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tax money from a specific place?

The funds that support the Water Quality Commission (WQC) can come from any source of funds that the municipality chooses. This could be property taxes, drinking water assessments, general funds etc. There is not one specific funds that any municipality needs to pull the funding from, that is left up to each entity. The only restriction is with county funds, they can not come from general funds, they must come from the rural services. This prevents people who live in the municipalities from paying into the system twice.

Does the Water Quality Commission (WQC) fund multiple year projects?

In the past the WQC has attempted to fund two or three year projects and management of these funds has been difficult. Many concerns have prompted the WQC to not allow funding beyond one year at a time. One concern was with dedicating future funds without knowing what projects this may effect down the road. Another concern was when the funds would be full requested may effect other projects. This does not prevent the applicant to come back consecutive years for the same project. This has been done successfully by the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County, Friends of Lakeside Lab and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

How does a Commissioner get selected?

Commissioners are appointed by a municipality to represent them. The number of positions currently held by each member of the 28-E agreement was determined on taxable evaluation back in 2000.

Does the Water Quality Commission have staff?

No. The Water Quality Commission has an agreement with the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District to administer the program. Currently the Dickinson County Soil and Water Quality District has the Clean Water Alliance Coordinator administer this project for them.