Natalie Krebs
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Iowa Public Radio
Central Iowa Water Works leaders said data indicates central Iowans may face another lawn watering ban due to high nitrate levels unless residents limit water use.
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Corn growers in the Midwest are testing whether they can use less fertilizer and still maintain yields or improve their bottom line through on-farm research trials. The project is designed for producers who use practices to boost soil health. -
Iowa’s House and Senate leaders said Thursday they need more time to review an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that aims to increase the supply of glyphosate-based weedkillers in the U.S. It comes as the state Legislature decides whether to shield pesticide companies from certain lawsuits. -
Elevated nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers prompted Central Iowa Water Works to start up its nitrate removal system this month. A network of water quality sensors shows a similar uptick in other streams and rivers across state.
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The central Iowa community of Perry officially opened a $30 million treatment plant that helps meet the state’s goals to reduce pollution from wastewater. City officials said it also increases their capacity to attract new companies and accommodate residential growth. -
A fertilizer spill killed hundreds of thousands of fish in southwest Iowa last year. Now, a group of locals are building a network of citizen scientists and advocates for clean water. -
Roughly 25% to 50% of the total commercial nitrogen applied to fields across the state occurs in the fall. Waiting for cooler soil temperatures helps prevent nitrates from flushing into streams and rivers.
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Water restrictions for nearly a fifth of the Iowa’s population brought the state’s nitrate challenges to the forefront. Water quality experts say certain practices higher up in the watershed could make a difference if they are scaled up. -
Scientists discussed pollution, bacteria and other challenges plaguing central Iowa's rivers at an event in Des Moines Monday. The presenters contributed to a two-year assessment of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which includes recommendations at the local, regional and state level. -
Nitrates, fecal bacteria, sediment and other pollutants in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers threaten safe drinking water for 20% of the state’s population. That's one of the findings from a sweeping study commissioned by Polk County supervisors.
