City of Cedar Rapids Receives National Recognition from NACWA

The City of Cedar Rapids is proud to announce it has been honored with a National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA) from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). This award recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing environmental protection and clean water initiatives across the country. Cedar Rapids earned the NEAA for its work on Watershed Collaboration, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and service to the community.

"We are honored to receive national recognition from NACWA," said Mary Beth Stevenson, Watersheds and Source Water Program Manager. "This award reflects the dedication of our team and the value of investing in sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that protect our environment and support the communities we serve."

Roy Hesemann, Utilities Director for the City of Cedar Rapids, also emphasized the significance of the achievement, "This award showcases the exceptional work our team puts in every day to protect our natural resources and deliver reliable, high-quality service to our community. I am incredibly proud of their commitment to conservation, innovation, and continuous improvement of our watershed."

NACWA's National Environmental Achievement Awards celebrate the achievements of clean water agencies and their partners who are making a meaningful impact in environmental advocacy, public education, operations, and community engagement.

"This recognition highlights the collaboration, creativity, and dedication of our staff and partners," added Hesemann. "We look forward to continuing our work to ensure a cleaner, healthier water supply for Cedar Rapids and the region." Key partners in the City's ongoing watershed efforts include Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship (IDALS), USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Geologic Survey, Linn County, The Nature Conservancy, as well as watershed management authorities and soil and water conservation districts across the Cedar River Watershed.

Cedar Rapids received its inaugural watershed funding in 2015 through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), ran by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Known as the Middle Cedar Partnership Project, the project assisted farmers in adopting new conservation practices. The Cedar River Source Water Partnership (CRSWP) is the City's second RCPP project, which has been underway since 2020.

In January 2026, the City's watershed program was awarded just shy of $1.3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Farmer to Farmer grant program. In this three-year grant, the City will work closely with the Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority and the Iowa Geologic Survey to demonstrate how nature based solutions can improve water quality, reduce flooding, improve habitat, and strengthen farm resilience. The funding will enable the city to add an additional watershed staff member position and will cover research costs for additional water monitoring.

For more information about the Cedar River Source Water Partnership, visit CityofCR.com/Watershed. For more information about NACWA or the NEAA program, visit https://www.nacwa.org.