A project behind a major renovation effort to improve water quality in Easter Lake, located on Des Moines’ south side, has received national recognition.

Des Moines Public Works received the 2021 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Watershed Collaboration category for the Restoring Easter Lake initiative. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk County Conservation and other agencies partnered with the city on the effort.

“Over the years, increased nutrient loads and sediment diminished the water quality of Easter Lake,” said Des Moines’ Clean Water Program Administrator Patrick Beane. “The water looked like chocolate milk due to poor water clarity, algal blooms, high sedimentation rates and low oxygen levels.”

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