Blog For Tag "Drinking Water"

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, June 16, 2023 Iowa DNR is in the process of updating the rules defining how manure is stored at AFOs and then applied on the landscape. This rulemaking is a chance for DNR to protect Iowans while saving them money, but we need stronger rules to make that happen. The draft rules have some changes, but not enough - and the process is more complicated thanks to an executive order.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, June 2, 2023 To mark the 10th anniversary of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, IEC launched a new website: decliningdecade.org. Big Ag is pushing a narrative that the NRS is a success, when the numbers tell a different story. Water Program Director Alicia Vasto says more about why stories are good, but data is key and what Iowa's really seen in the past ten years.

posted by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 Nitrate pollution is a sprawling, complex issue with its roots in major industries. It can be difficult to feel that we as individuals have the ability to affect change when an issue looms so large. Heather Wilson with the Izaak Walton League of America explains that is one of the reasons IWLA is so excited to invite volunteers to participate in the Nitrate Watch program, which takes a hands-on approach to combatting nitrate pollution.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Monday, December 26, 2022 Water Program Director Alicia Vasto shares her thoughts as we wrap up a year of work on water and land stewardship in Iowa at IEC. She reflects about the effort, hard work, and dedication to IEC's mission of clean water in Iowa, while also sharing valuable resources and looking forward to the coming year.

posted by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Iowa has a robust plan for monitoring nitrogen. But what about other ag inputs that affect our water? In this guest blog post, Audrey Tran Lam with the Center for Energy and the Environment at UNI shares what Iowa's robust nitrogen monitoring can teach us about managing pesticides.

posted by Guest Blogger on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 On Monday, January 17, Central College students, staff, and faculty celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with education and service. One of the seminars focused on environmental justice: how do environmental inequities across the globe affect our lives, even in the small community of Pella? How can we make an difference on environmental issues impacting the most vulnerable?

posted by Alicia Vasto on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 In 1987, the Iowa legislature passed the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. IEC suggests it is time to create an Iowa Surface Water Protection Act as part of the efforts to advance the Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

posted on Friday, July 31, 2020 Both the DNR and Polk County Conservation Board have reported a tremendous increase in park attendance, including increased beach and water recreation use since COVID-19 hit Iowa. However, before you throw on your swimsuit and goggles, know the risks of swimming prior to hitting the beach.

posted by Jennifer Terry on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 A friend asked the other day “Have you ever thought about what it would happen if IEC went away? What wouldn't be protected if there were no IEC?” On Giving Tuesday Now, Executive Director Jennifer Terry reflects on this idea.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Iowa's regulators and utilities are taking steps to protect Iowans during the pandemic by implementing emergency policies.