Water Quality

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.

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.

Beaches at two dozen state parks and recreation areas had at least one "swimming not recommended" advisory this summer because of high E. coli levels. Years-long efforts at the Iowa DNR aim to pinpoint potential sources, better understand the health risks for beachgoers and find solutions.

Water: who controls it, who protects it and who decides its fate?

The editor and co-owner of the Storm Lake Times Pilot discusses his new book, Dear Marty, We Crapped In Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.

A new report examines Iowa farmers’ awareness and opinions related to the state’s strategy to cut nutrient runoff in waterways. The majority support more conservation, but their numbers have softened over the last decade.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources hosted a public meeting and hearing Wednesday on a wastewater permit amendment requested by Interstate Power and Light. Several environmental groups argue the draft permit allows Alliant Energy, the parent company, to bypass a federal law passed in 2024.

Iowa cities are receiving significant settlements from chemical companies to address "forever chemical" contamination in drinking water. But officials caution that the funds may not cover all associated costs, as long-term solutions remain uncertain.