Polk County Research Report Confirms Nitrate in Rivers Directly Tied to Agriculture

Polk County research report confirms nitrate in rivers directly tied to agriculture

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A highly anticipated two-year water quality study by Polk County was released Tuesday, confirming that the nitrate in the river water is mostly due to agriculture. The Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment was commissioned in 2023 to offer unbiased and comprehensive examination of the watersheds for the Des Moines River and Raccoon River. It revealed that nearly 80% of the nitrate in those rivers is directly tied to a…

As nitrate levels soar in Iowa, new research underscores risks for babies

New research out of Iowa adds to a wide body of evidence showing that when pregnant women are exposed to nitrates in drinking water, it raises the risks of problematic birth outcomes, including low birth weights and pre-term birth. The study, published June 25 in PLOS Water, found that the risks persist even when exposures are lower than the regulatory standard for allowable levels. It comes as the US farm state wrestles with near-record levels …

IOWA WATER SAFETY WORRIES: Atlantic couple teaches neighbors to test waterways

Central Iowa Water Works customers in the Des Moines area on water restrictions due to high nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers; Regional Water in Southwest Iowa put its customers on a boil order when its wells were low due to drought: and, a nitrogen spill into the East Nishnabotna last year had Red Oak neighbors on edge.As result, Larry and Denise O'Brien, retired dairy farmers from Atlantic who still maintain an organic farm, …

Little Village issue 342: July 2025 - Little Village

In this issue, LV drills into a disturbing imbalance: 80% of Iowans rely on groundwater to drink, but households account for less than half of public well-water usage in the state. Big Ag sops up most of it, all while spilling nitrates into waterways. With a rural water crisis brewing, will Iowa make a plan in time? Plus: A group of women learn the ancient art of “good fire” in western Iowa; inside the Hawkeye softball team’s off-field conflicts…