Data centers are massive and thirsty for water and power. Iowans are split on whether they're good neighbors. On this episode, the data center debate as cities and counties throughout the state are weighing potential data center installations. First, a Brookings Institution researcher on what rural communities stand to gain and lose from these developments. Then, Linn County Supervisor Sami Scheetz joins to discuss the ordinance they passed earlier this year and how it compares to other local governments' approaches to recent data center proposals. Iowa’s state geologist discusses whether Iowa's groundwater supply can handle the demand from data centers. And a public health researcher joins to discuss the public health implications from data centers powered by nonrenewable sources.
Isabella Luu
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Iowa Public Radio
Natalie Krebs
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Iowa Public Radio
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With data centers on the rise and an increased need for irrigation for farming, Iowa is seeing a bigger need for ground water, with not enough known about our supply.State Geologist Keith Schilling shares how the state's current groundwater monitoring paces far behind neighboring states, and what we should be doing now to reverse the trend. Linn County Sustainability Director Cara Matteson also joins to talk about how the county is prioritizing groundwater mapping and other water studies. Then, we look back at Christopher Merrill's 25 years as director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. -
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Art Cullen and president of Iowans for Stronger Communities Jesse Case join to discuss the new documentary series, 'What's Eating Iowa?' Then, two farmers share how their family has evolved to regenerative farming in northwest Iowa. -
Five Iowans told stories with the theme water, the current of life, in front of an audience at Trumpet Blossom Cafe in Iowa City. Host Charity Nebbe was emcee for the event hosted by Investigate Midwest, an independent nonprofit newsroom that reports about agriculture with data-driven investigative journalism. Hear from storytellers Kylah Hedding, Larry Weber, Katie Roche, Parker Field and Judith Joyce.
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NextEra Energy’s proposed reopening of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in eastern Iowa is drawing mixed reactions. Local leaders laud the potential economic boost associated with the development, while environmentalists and some residents warn of concerns related to nuclear waste storage and water supply. -
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.
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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. -
After state funding cuts, a network of 60 sensors tracking pollution across Iowa will go dark next summer without new funding. Also, how a hurricane that struck an island nation led to mass hysteria over werewolves.
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The Polk County Board of Supervisors voted to support a network of water quality sensors in rivers and streams across Iowa. They hope other counties will follow suit to prevent a funding cliff next year.
