By Andi Anderson
Iowa has made significant strides in addressing water quality concerns by successfully closing the last seven agricultural drainage wells in the state.
This milestone marks the culmination of nearly three decades of research, planning, and implementation.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) initiated this effort in response to the Groundwater Protection Act of 1987.
This law identified over 300 drainage wells, primarily concentrated in Humboldt, Pocahontas, and Wright counties.
Recognizing the negative impact of these wells on water quality, the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act of 1987 mandated their closure.
IDALS conducted extensive research and developed in-field nutrient management plans to mitigate water pollution. Additionally, the agency discovered that wetlands could effectively filter out nitrogen and herbicides from tile drainage.
The final seven wells, located near Gilmore City, were closed and redirected to a 137-acre wetland. This strategic move will help improve water quality in the surrounding area.
“Improving water quality takes time, commitment, and dedicated funding, but this demonstrates that when there is a strategy and funding in place, this impactful work can get done successfully,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a news release.
“Overall it’s just a big step forward in addressing some of the most direct sources of pollution to ground water,” said Michael Schmidt, staff attorney for the Iowa Environmental Council. “It’s too bad that it has taken 30 years to get this far, because it’s common sense not to be using our groundwater as a toilet for our agricultural waste.”
The closure of these wells highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the need to protect water resources.
By addressing legacy pollution issues and implementing modern conservation strategies, Iowa is making strides towards a healthier environment.
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Categories: Iowa, General, Government & Policy