Dry Run Creek Designed to Prevent Floods

Waverly, Iowa, is built around the Cedar River which overflowed in the flood of 2008. To prevent such natural disasters in their community, Waverly researched different ways to prevent flooding, such as dry run creeks. Dry run creeks can be found across Bremer County but also in towns and cities across Iowa. They are named dry run creeks because of their specific design. Their purpose is to help prevent flooding, or other natural disasters. They are strategically placed and researched.

Image 1: A narrow dry run creek with concrete banks and a small flow of algae-covered water, surrounded by tall, dry grass in a suburban area with houses and trees.
Image 2: The same dry creek bed without out water.

Waverly

Iowa Core Standard

3-ESS3-1

Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

Driving Question

What purpose do dry run creeks serve for a community? What is the purpose of a dry run creek?

Probing Questions

Why is the dry run creek placed where it is?
What are the benefits of having a dry run creek in place?
How do dry run creeks prevent weather-related hazards like floods?
What possible negative effects could dry run creeks have on the ecosystem around them?
What could be other ways we could prevent weather-related hazards?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

In groups, build dry run creeks out of environmental materials (such as different sized rocks, clay etc.), that can collect and move water.
Brainstorm and list different traits and characteristics of a dry run creek, and the ecosystems around it. If located in their community, students can consider their local dry run creek.
Research the placement of dry run creeks around the world and compare and contrast to determine which dry run creek placement might work best.

Resources

Creative Star | Dry Creeks, Streams and Riverbeds: This article provides the basic information that students should know about dry run creeks and water management as a whole. This provides various examples of what dry creeks may look like in different locations.
Iowa Environmental Council | Watershed Success: A Look at Dry Run Creek: This article provides information of the success of a dry run creek, and how it affects the environment around it. This provides local county examples on how this works within the Cedar Valley Area and is a good teacher resource.
Dry Run Creek Watershed Project | Black Hawk County: Details about the Black Hawk County dry run creek project as well as links to other dry run creek projects and resources.

Contributors

Submitted by Emma True and Maddy Moser.