Outstanding Iowa Waters

Outstanding Iowa Waters (OIWs) are high quality waters and outstanding state resources with exceptional recreational or ecological significance. Waters are nominated and given this designation through an Iowa Department of Natural Resources process. The current level of water quality in OIWs must be maintained and protected—not allowed to decline, except in rare situations as described in the proposed antidegradation rules.

Six Iowa lakes and 32 Iowa streams are currently proposed to be designated as Outstanding Iowa Waters. The 6 nominated lakes and many of the proposed stream segments are designated as High Quality waters under Iowa's current water quality standards because they have exceptional recreational and or ecological significance and they have “exceptionally better quality” then the minimum water quality standards. The proposed rules eliminate the old HQ designation and replace it with the new OIW designation

A legislative committee requested that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits to communities, of the OIW designation. The analysis has been conducted and currently the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for public comments on the analysis. Follow this LINK to find out how you can help..

Click on the links below to view two maps and photos of some of the nominated waters.  We wish to extend a special thanks to Brett Lorenzen of Trout Unlimited for the beautiful photos!