Blog – Iowa Environmental Voice

posted by Michael Schmidt on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Iowa adopted a state water plan in 1985, but has not developed a comprehensive plan since then. The term "water plan" refers to the state's system of regulating the use of its surface and groundwater resources. A state water plan should address all aspects of the water cycle, including precipitation, soil moisture, stream flow, and flooding. We focus here on one important aspect of a plan, groundwater management.

posted by Guest Blogger on Friday, June 27, 2025 Iowa is currently facing an unprecedented drinking water crisis. Recent reports indicate alarming nitrate levels in the Raccoon River; so high that city officials enacted emergency measures such as lawn water bans, to ensure water treatment facilities could comply with regulatory standards for safe drinking water. Unfortunately, at least for pregnant women, any level of nitrate in drinking water appears unsafe.

posted by Colleen Fowle on Friday, June 20, 2025 Nitrates are naturally occurring chemicals found in soil, water, and air. They contain nitrogen and oxygen, which are required by plants and animals for growth and development. Nitrates are negatively charged particles (ions), so they bond to other substances in the environment and dissolve easily in water. Read more about nitrates here.

posted by Guest Blogger on Thursday, June 12, 2025 In response to catastrophic flooding in 2008, Iowa legislators established the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) at the University of Iowa's IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) department, a world-renowned institute for education, research, and public service dedicated to solving some of the world's greatest water resources challenges. Read on to learn more.

posted by Jordan Oster on Monday, May 19, 2025 Warren Buffett is retiring, but what about the coal plants? While Berkshire Hathaway's leadership is changing, Iowans are still living with the daily impacts of Berkshire running one of the largest and dirtiest coal fleets in the country through its subsidiary MidAmerican Energy.

posted by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Iowa, a major agricultural producer of corn and swine in the US, has grappled with decades-long nitrate (NO3-) pollution in its rivers, lakes, and groundwater due to intensive farming practices and animal feeding operations. Nitrate originating from agricultural activities, industrial discharges, and wastewater treatment processes can contaminate drinking water sources such as groundwater and surface water bodies. Read the entire guest blog here.

posted by Bethany Kohoutek on Sunday, April 20, 2025 As we look forward to the future of environmental work in Iowa, it's important to recognize and thank the people whose vision and tireless work set the groundwork for progress today. Introducing IEC's Champions of the Environment.

posted by Sarah Howe on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 American Rivers released their annual designations of the United States' most endangered rivers of 2025; The Mississippi River was at the very top of the list. The Mississippi River is at the heart of our nation's history, culture, and economy, shaping the communities along its banks and connecting people across its vast watershed. Read on to learn more about this historic designation.

posted by Cody Smith on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 This spring, the Iowa Environmental Council and featured expert guests will launch a new four-part webinar series focusing on climate resiliency and preparedness. These webinars are free and open to the public. Read on to learn more.

posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 IEC is excited to introduce our new Water Program Manager, Colleen Fowle, who will continue the organization's leadership on clean water and land stewardship. Colleen joins us at a busy time at IEC - legislative session in full swing, an active lawsuit to protect wetlands, and budding public health projects - and her work will continue our outreach, education, and advocacy.