City of New Albin to receive All-Star Community Award from Iowa League of Cities for implementation of Algaewheel® wastewater treatment system
Algaewheel® wastewater treatment facility earns City of New Albin an All-Star Community Award ... The Algaewheel® wastewater treatment system (part of which is pictured above) completed by the City of New Albin in 2024 has earned the community an All-Star Community Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa League of Cities. The nature-based treatment system utilizes biological processes to clean wastewater, and it captured the attention of the Iowa League of Cities, which will present the award to City of New Albin officials at the League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit being held in Des Moines September 17-18. Photo by Julie Berg-Raymond.
The City of New Albin was named a 2025 All-Star Community by the Iowa League of Cities for its Algaewheel® project. The city will be recognized at an Awards Banquet at the League’s Annual Conference & Exhibit, held in Des Moines from September 17-19.
The All-Star Community Award is the most prestigious honor given by the League to cities. Entries are judged by a panel of former city officials and others familiar with municipal government. Judges determine winners based on innovative efforts in areas such as urban renewal, development, preservation, collaborative efforts or quality of life improvements. New Albin was among three of Iowa’s 940 cities to garner such recognition for the year 2025. This year’s other All-Star Community Award winners include the cities of Jefferson and Cedar Falls.
When faced with the need to replace its aging wastewater treatment facility, New Albin’s city leaders knew that simply following the traditional path might not be the most prudent or efficient choice. Instead of settling for the standard solution, the city embarked on a journey to find an approach better suited to its size, budget, and long-term needs.
Following an example set by Indianapolis, IN, New Albin used an Algaewheel® system, which is a nature-based approach to wastewater treatment. Instead of relying solely on mechanical and chemical processes, the system integrates biological processes, using algae and bacteria in a symbiotic relationship to clean wastewater. The algae-based system promises comparable initial costs with significantly reduced long-term expenses, minimal maintenance needs, and a much smaller physical footprint.
In a statement included within an initial media release regarding the award, the Iowa League of Cities stated:
“The Iowa League of Cities commends the City of New Albin for its foresight and leadership in adopting such an innovative solution. By daring to step away from the conventional and embrace a technology that better aligns with its unique needs, New Albin has set a valuable example for other small towns across Iowa. Congratulations to New Albin and all its residents on its Algaewheel® project.”
The Iowa League of Cities is the oldest, continuously operating municipal league in the country. Founded in 1898, the League is a not-for-profit organization that serves as the unified voice for cities, providing advocacy, training and guidance to the cities of Iowa.
