45 Key Water Quality Policies in Iowa

Public Drinking Water:

In terms of looking specifically at the state of Iowa, the framework for water quality policies is quite complex and comprehensive. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a large role in managing and protecting the state’s natural resources, as in the title. Mainly, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources enforces the Public Drinking Water Program in Iowa under the authority of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Drinking Water). Also, the Iowa DNR has a built-in Water Quality Bureau, tasked with making sure water use is responsible and legal (Drinking Water). Within Iowa’s DNR Water Quality Bureau houses two different sectors: The Water Supply Engineering (WSE) Section and the Water Supply Operations (WSO) Section. The Water Supply Operations sections has many responsibilities in terms of water quality: issues operating permits for public water supply systems, certifies water operators and environmental laboratories, and determines if systems are in compliance with standards and regulations (Drinking Water). The image below depicts the application form for

water use permits handed out by Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources. Arguably the most important of these tasks is dealing with public water supply systems. Iowa’s DNR describes public water supply systems as, “a system that provides water for human consumption that has at least 15 service connections or serves at least 25 people at least 60 days during the year” (Drinking Water). Basically, that means Iowa’s WSO section is responsible for monitoring, permitting, and enforcing regulations on private and public water sources. Also within Iowa’s DNR is the Field Services and Compliance Bureau, which can be thought of as the detective and investigator for Iowa’s DNR. The Field Services and Compliance Bureau keeps watch over the public water supply programs, investigates areas for new water sources to be created, and makes sure all water operator requirements and standards are met.

Key Water Quality Policies in Iowa:

Water quality in Iowa is governed by a combination of state laws, federal regulations, and local policies. These policies expand to cover several areas, including surface water quality, drinking water, wastewater management, stormwater runoff, and nutrient pollution reduction.

The Iowa Water Quality Standards (WQS):

Iowa’s water quality policies are primarily guided and directed by the Iowa Water Quality Standards (WQS), which are outlined in the Iowa Administrative Code (Iowa Administrative Code). These water quality standards set by the administrative code aim to limit the number of pollutants in water bodies throughout the state, attempting to ensure that water sources remain safe for the public health of populations and the environment. These standards categorize water bodies based on their designated uses, such as drinking water, aquatic life habitats, and recreation, and establish specific, quantifiable criteria to protect these uses. For example, water bodies designated for recreational purposes must adhere to strict bacteria standards to ensure they are safe for activities like swimming and fishing for the public. Similarly, water sources designated for drinking water must meet rigorous standards for contaminants such as lead. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a critical role in enforcing these standards, conducting monitoring, assessments, and making rules and policies to address evolving water quality challenges (Water Quality Bureau Rulemaking | Department of Natural Resources). If a water body is found to be altered and unable to meet these water quality standards, the state is required to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to identify the amount of a specific pollutant the water body can handle before water quality is compromised (Water Quality Standards). The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a critical policy tool required by the Clean Water Act for the management of unclean/disturbed waters. TMDLs are developed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which identifies sources of pollution, sets pollutant limits, and outlines the necessary measures to reduce pollutant levels. The goal of TMDLs is to reduce the pollutant levels and restore them to a state where they can support their designated uses set by the water quality standards of Iowa’s Administrative Code (Water Quality Standards). These water quality standards serve as the foundation for all water quality management in the state, altering regulatory decisions and pollution control measures.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) and Iowa’s Implementation:

The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) serves as the foundation for water protection across the United States, and Iowa implements its provisions through programs managed by the DNR. It establishes a national policy to eliminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters and to ensure that water bodies are safe for human recreation and the protection of aquatic life. Direct pollutions, such as discharge from wastewater treatment plants, is addressed through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which regulate the release of treated water into Iowa’s waterways (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)). Iowa’s DNR is responsible for administering the NPDES program within the state, issuing permits that set limits on the amount of pollutants that can be legally discharged into state waters (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The NPDES permits ensure that any discharges follow along with the water quality standards set forth by both the Clean Water Act and Iowa’s Water Quality Standards. The diagram on the left illustrates the step-by-step process of issuing a permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The process begins with the submission of a complete application and moves through several stages including application review, development of effluent limits, and a public notice period for the draft permit. If there is significant public interest, a public hearing may also be held. Public comments are reviewed and responded to before a final permit is issued. This transparent, multi-step procedure ensures that wastewater discharges are regulated in compliance with both federal and state water quality standards, while also allowing for public input and accountability. Furthermore, the Clean Water Act mandates that Iowa must prepare lists of any contaminated waters and work on actions to clean and restore these sources of water, such as developing TMDLs and restoration plans (The Clean Water Act Overview). Iowa also focuses on stopping indirect pollution, particularly from agricultural and sedimentary runoff, using strategies that combine conservation practices with educational outreach programs (Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)).