Progress, problems seen in Iowa water monitoring efforts

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released a report detailing the states water monitoring efforts for nutrients, which examines how the state is monitoring nutrient levels and how it determines the effectiveness of related practices.

“Iowa has a comprehensive water quality monitoring effort in place that is supported by a variety of partners,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. “Monitoring results were central to identifying the practices highlighted in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and have provided valuable information as we have established priority watersheds. It continues to be an important part of our efforts as we work to increase the pace and scale of practice adoption needed to improve water quality.”

The report was a collaborative effort between the DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University and the University of Iowa IIHR - Hydroscience and Engineering Center. It examines water quality measurements in the state in terms of their scale, with categories including large watersheds and small watersheds as well as paired watersheds, wherein two similar watersheds are subject to different practices to measure effectiveness, and edge-of-field monitoring, which focuses on watersheds near farm fields. 

“While challenges exist, we believe continued nutrient monitoring is critical to understanding what Iowa can do to be successful,” said DNR DirectorChuck Gipp. “All partners involved in developing this report know the value of long-term evaluation and are committed to continuing with a science-based approach to nutrient reduction in Iowa waters.”