Blog For Tag "harmful algal blooms"

  • Welcome Back! It's Weekly Water Watch 2023

    posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, May 26, 2023 With the Memorial Day holiday upon us, the start of summer recreation, and weekly beach monitoring, summer has begun! With that comes the start of IEC's Weekly Water Watch series. Read on to learn about new advisory data and activities this summer.

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  • Nitrate Watch: A hands-on approach to nitrate monitoring

    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.

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  • As Iowa's NRS turns 10, why aren't Iowa's waters safer and cleaner?

    posted by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 Fertilizer pollution (composed of the chemical nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus) has plagued Iowa's waterways since long before the Iowa Environmental Council was formed in 1995. As the state's primary plan for addressing nutrient pollution approaches its 10th anniversary, what can we say about Iowa's water today? Several past IEC executive directors share their thoughts in this guest blog.

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  • 2021 First Funnel: What Environmental Bills Died This Session?

    posted by Angelisa Belden on Monday, March 8, 2021 The first funnel for bills introduced in the 2021 session took place last week. Take a quick look at our list to see what environmentally-related bills didn't survive to continue on this session.

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  • Adding up the 2020 Beach Season

    posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, September 11, 2020 As summer draws to a close, we're looking back at Weekly Water Watch 2020. Even with weeks full of unbelievable news, Iowa's waters still saw toxic algae blooms, E. coli contamination, drought, and high beach visitation across the state this year.

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  • When is it safe to get in the water?

    posted by Angelisa Belden on Friday, August 21, 2020 I spent a significant amount of money for a weekend getaway at an Iowa lake. Imagine my disappointment to find the water covered in green algae on day 2. Was it safe to swim? Who knows? Will I go back? That remains to be seen - and that's a danger for the local economy.

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  • Pandemic Highlights the Perennial Importance of Parks

    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.

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  • The Basics of Opinion Writing

    posted by Angelisa Belden on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Submitting op-eds or LTEs is an effective tool for addressing climate, water, and energy issues. Learn some simple tips to help you prepare and submit a piece for publication.

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  • Protecting Our Vulnerable Loved Ones from Toxic Algae

    posted by Ingrid Gronstal on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 As a water quality professional, I know all too well the risks that harmful algae blooms carry for those of us just trying to cool off and enjoy ourselves at the lake. For our pets and our children, those risks can be particularly high.

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