Iowa Counties Shield Water from Cuts

By Andi Anderson

Iowa’s water quality monitoring network has received a lifeline from Polk County after state funding cuts threatened its future. The county’s Board of Supervisors voted to invest $200,000 to keep the University of Iowa’s sensor network operational.

This network includes 60 sensors that measure nitrate levels, oxygen, pH, stream flow, and temperature in rivers and streams. Data is collected every 10 minutes and uploaded to the Iowa Water Quality Information System, helping researchers and agencies track pollution and evaluate conservation efforts.

Nitrate, commonly found in fertilizers and manure, is a major pollutant in Iowa’s waterways. The Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which supply drinking water to half a million residents, have recorded near-record nitrate levels this year.

Larry Weber, director of the University of Iowa’s hydroscience center, emphasized the importance of real-time data in assessing the effectiveness of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Despite its value, the sensor network lost state funding in 2023 when the Iowa Legislature redirected $500,000 to support voluntary conservation practices for farmers.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Dan Zumbach, also removed the requirement for collaboration among Iowa’s public universities. Since then, the University of Iowa network has relied on private donations, including support from the Walton Family Foundation, which will last until summer 2026.

Polk County’s funding will cover operations for an additional year. Discussions are ongoing with Johnson and Linn counties to secure further support.

The University of Iowa’s sensors make up 75% of the state’s continuous monitors. Other sensors are managed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the USDA, while the Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts periodic sampling.

Weber believes that a statewide network should be funded by state or federal resources. Until then, local governments are stepping up to ensure Iowa’s water quality data remains available and reliable.

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