29 Water Quality in Iowa

Water quality is the measure of suitability through the characteristics of physicality, chemical components, and biological measures. (USGS) To ensure suitable water quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulations and standards that can be further enhanced by state enforcement to ensure and provide access to clean water. Water under regulatory regulation is categorized by two main groups, potable water and water bodies. Water bodies subject to EPA’s regulations include surface water, such as lakes and rivers, and groundwater systems like aquifers. Potable water describes water designated for human consumption. Specifically, under EPA and state water quality regulations, only public water systems (PWS) must abide by established quality standards. Additional categories of water that are regulated include agricultural and industrial water uses. (JF)

As previously mentioned, water quality standards and policies can be divided into two categories: state and federal. Under the approval of the EPA, states, territories, and authorized tribes have been granted autonomy in setting water quality criteria and standards. (EPA) Determined levels or amounts of a certain pollutant for a certain water category and examples of water quality criteria. (EPA) For instance, as for aquatic life, which falls under the water body category, the criteria for pH levels range from 6.5 to 9.0. (EPA) On the other hand, water quality standards focus on the water category and what regulations need to be put in place to support the purposes of that type of water. (EPA) For instance, enforcing policies and methods tailored to specific water bodies to ensure adequate quality for designated uses. Although potable water follows water criteria and standards from the EPA, other forms of potable water, such as private wells, don’t follow the same criteria. Because private wells are regulated by state law enforcement. (Iowa Gov)  Even more than that, water bottles, another form of potable water, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. (FDA) (JF)

Alongside EPA regulation, nationwide policies have played a major role in how water quality is determined. For instance, the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 established a framework to regulate pollutants and quality standards (EPA). Originally, the CWA was introduced as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1948. When renamed in 1972, the CWA was the first of many national policies established during the 1970s, an era later declared as the spark of the environmental movement in the United States. This newfound environmental era was caused by several factors, such as the nationwide energy crisis and growing concern over the adverse effects of pollution on the environment. Ultimately, this led to the increase in regulation of fossil fuels as well as the development of the EPA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), key stakeholders in the water quality process. Shifting industry standards towards a focus on preserving and protecting the environment, as well as increasing oversight over new development projects through instating new regulations. Resulting in the CWA known today, as well as other water quality policies such as the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974. The SDWA allows the EPA to set standards for public drinking water. (EPA) Even more than this, the SDWA regulates injection wells and oil drilling techniques that use high-pressure water moved underground to release oil shales. (EPA) Positively impacted water quality by forcing the United States energy market to take more precautionary environmental measures. (JF)

More specifically, the CWA creates direct approaches to addressing issues that lead to inadequate water quality. For instance, the CWA was one of the first regulatory policies to regulate point source pollution in waterways. (EPA) Point source pollution is defined by the EPA as “any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged.” (NOAA) However, permits can be administered to bypass pollution regulations. (EPA) Additionally, presidential goals, agendas, and initiatives can be another type of enforcer for maintaining or hindering water quality regulations nationwide. For example, under support from the Biden Administration in 2024, the EPA was able to enforce drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFASs. (EPA). PFAs are considered “long-lasting chemicals” and, due to their persistence in the environment, are found in blood, leading to adverse health effects on humans and animals. (EPA) Unfortunately, research is limited about PFAs, and many questions still need to be answered about removal, health effects, and the success of prevention measures. (EPA) But in any case, the implementation of this policy proves that certain government entities can support other government departments and formulate policies to protect and ensure water quality. However, this realization also demonstrates the importance of state and local politics to maintaining proper water quality, especially when administrations change every  2 to 4yearss, causing goals and initiatives to change over time and not follow a straight path. (JF)

In the state of Iowa, water quality affects around 3.2 million Iowans daily. (US Census) Specifically, through forms of potable water supply, and recreation, as well as in Iowa’s largest industry sectors, such as agriculture and food processing. As previously mentioned, the EPA is the national regulatory agency for water quality in the United States. That being said, if water quality standards in Iowa are not set by the CWA, the EPA is granted access to revise the water quality standards. (EPA) This process can also occur if the EPA disapproves of the standards when first designed and created by any state, in this case, Iowa. (EPA) (JF)

The majority of Iowans receive their water through private wells, with about 230,000 and 290,000 using private wells for access to water. (IEC) As previously mentioned, private water wells aren’t regulated by the federal government. However, in Iowa, statewide programs have been implemented to provide a sense of regulation and ensurement of proper water quality over private wells. (DNR) Programs include the Private Well Grants Program (PWG) as well as other water treatment processes, such as manganese well testing. (DNR) The PWG is a program that provides free water quality testing kits for users of private well systems. Additionally, the PWG provides financial incentives for several types of water quality inspection, such as the inclusion of shock chlorination and well reconstructions. (DNR) (JF)

Other Iowans will receive water through public facilities that follow federal regulations and receive federal oversight. The standard water treatment process includes steps such as Aeration, Clarification, Softening, Filtration, and Disinfection. (Ion Exchange)  Disinfection can take place with chlorine or other methods. Additionally, treatment processes include packed tower aeration, anion, and reverse osmosis. (EPA) Reverse osmosis is a high-pressure filtration system where the water moves through the membrane. (Purteec) Reverse osmosis helps remove nitrates and PFAs from water. (EPA) Now, the University of Iowa treats its water with a fifty-fifty blend of reverse osmosis and standard treatment practices. (Iowa) Water treatment processes and facilities help state water comply with federal regulations. Poor water quality looks like water that is discolored or has an odor, or has a foul taste. However, the water filtration process must be coupled with state and federal policies to provide adequate and proper water quality to its citizens. (JF)

Recently, in April of 2024, the Iowa House rejected a ruling that would require “commercial fertilizers or soil conditioners to disclose to buyers the results of testing for PFA chemicals” (Strong). Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are chemicals that deeply affect agriculture when they occur in soil or water from waterways or irrigation systems contaminated with fertilizers containing PFAS (Farmers.gov).PFAs are long-lasting chemicals that will continuously impact the quality of water and associated farmland for several years. Consequently, recently, the EPA and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) updated their list of impaired water to include additional affected areas. (Koons) Evidence of how the EPA, in conjunction with an Iowa state regulatory agency, intervenes with statewide regulation of water quality. The IDNR implements water standards required under the Iowa Administrative Code. (IDNR) The list of newly impaired waterways includes the Des Moines, Cedar, and Iowa rivers, well-known and highly populated waterways in Iowa. Impairment is defined as the lack of accordance with federal or state water quality regulations. Water quality conditions in these Iowa rivers are of concern due to recent high nitrate levels. (Koons) Nitrates are “pyrotechnic fumigants used as rodenticides, pesticides and insecticides.” (EPA) Before April 2024, the Clean Water for Iowa Act was introduced to the House floor. (Trotter)  An act was created to regulate and require a permitting process for factory farms to limit the negative impacts that the agricultural industry has on water quality in Iowa through the monitoring of waste that would potentially include PFAs and nitrate fertilizers. (Trotter) According to the EPA, “Fertilizer is a primary source of nitrogen and phosphorus and often reaches surface and groundwater systems” (EPA). Iowa has around 4,000 concentrated animal feeding operations. With only 4% receiving National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. (Midwest) NPDES, resulting from the CWA in 1972, is an important system that regulates water discharge from agricultural and industrial products such as fertilizer (EPA). The disruption in water quality from the agriculture sector can be correlated to the high nitrate levels infiltrating Iowa’s waterways. (Trotter) Although nitrates are naturally occurring compounds in natural waterways and can be utilized for drinking water, overexposure to nitrates is extremely detrimental to human health. (MN DOH)

Overall, the nitrate issue in Iowa is of major urgency, continuing to impact water quality in the state. As previously mentioned, Iowa’s waterways are deeply affected by the nitrate chemical compound. The 7 new waterways are being added to the ongoing list of 700-plus impaired waterways in Iowa due to nitrate levels. (EPA) The federal regulation from the EPA for nitrate levels in water is a maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L. (EPA) According to the EPA, a maximum contaminant level is the “highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.” (EPA) A contributing factor to the high levels of nitrates has been due to agricultural runoff in the state. (EPA). Data such as the average nitrate concentration in Iowa Public Water Systems shows the high level of nitrates in the Iowa waterways. For instance, in 2006, Clinton County experienced nitrate levels of 11.783 mg/l, experiencing near-breaking contaminant levels of 9.623 mg/l in 2023. (IDPH) Additionally, the city of Story, Iowa, recorded a 2023 pollution level of 9.623 mg/L. (IDPH)  However, the county experienced an average level of nitrates of 17.017 mg/L in 2002. (IDPH) In 2023, 3 public water systems had levels of nitrate concentration higher than the 10 mg/L maximum contaminant level set in place by the EPA. (Figure 1) Proving how Iowans are experiencing improper water quality, water that is detrimental to health and the environment. These high rates of exposure levels to nitrates can be attributed to the number of Iowans gaining potable water through private wells. As previously mentioned, out of the 230,000 and 290,000 citizens in Iowa who interact with private wells, 54,841 experience and interact with contaminated water from nitrates or other forms of bacteria. (JF)

(Figure 1 – Iowa’s 2023 Average Maximum Nitrate Concentration – Iowa Department of Health)

(Figure 2 – Iowa’s Private Water Wells Contaminated by Nitrate and Bacteria – Iowa Environmental Coalition)

Environmentally speaking, proper water quality is important for several reasons. As for nitrate levels, certain land management practices can impact the surrounding environment and negatively impact water quality. For instance, poor soil health, chemicals used in agricultural practices, and improper storage of manure can lead to nitrate exposure in nearby waterways. (EPA) Once nitrates enter waterways, local aquatic ecosystems can be negatively impacted. For example, high levels of nitrates in waterways can lead to algae blooms, harming local aquatic life such as fish. (EPA) Changing agricultural practices can be extremely beneficial to improving water quality and our surrounding environments. For instance, tillage is a farming practice that negatively impacts water quality through the effects of soil erosion and sediment pollution. (Mahdi) Water pollution in waterways can cause a process called “eutrophication,” which is a nutrient and sediment buildup from runoff soil, leading to algae blooms. (NOAA) Algae blooms are not only a detriment to human health but also affect water streams and ecosystems, decreasing overall quality. (EPA) Alternatively, No-till is an alternative farming practice that mechanically or manually rakes through the soil in certain amounts over the years. (USDA) No-tillage helps support improving water quality through the minimization of soil and water erosion. Soil erosion is when topsoil is moved through wind or agricultural processes into uncontaminated water streams. (NRDC) Water erosion is when water moves the topsoil or other sediments into waterways as well. (EOS) These erosion processes can negatively impact water quality due to sediment entering water systems and negatively impacting natural ecosystems. (EESI) However, the no-tillage process is a great way to limit the exposure of toxic material, such as nitrate fertilizer, in Iowa’s waterways. Another agricultural practice to combat the negative impacts on water quality is tile drainage. A form of water management that removes water from the subsurface of the soil.” (USDA)  This practice helps prevent chemicals or bacteria from ending up in groundwater or other waterways that would negatively affect water quality. The USDA explains, “This pollution can be harmful to humans and can create ‘dead zones’ where aquatic life cannot survive.” (USDA) Dead zones are interconnected with the previously mentioned water quality issue of algae blooms, as both are related to excessive nitrates. (EPA) Demonstrate how tile drainage is provided. Cover cropping, a practice of planting crops for the soil’s benefit, is another benefit that improves soil health, maintains local waterways, and benefits water quality. (Delgeimer) Demonstrating how cover crops can improve water quality by reducing soil erosion, which minimizes exposure to nitrates and other chemicals in our waterways. (USDA) No-tillage, tile drainage, and cover cropping are important agricultural practices that can combat the negative effects that alternative farming practices have on the environment. In Iowa, a major agricultural state, these changes will need to be made to ensure the safety of proper water quality accessible to its citizens. (JF)

Economically, it is more cost-effective to instill alternative farming practices to lower nitrates in the river compared to implementing water quality treatment facilities. In general, water treatment facilities are an important and needed step to ensure proper water quality. However, due to high rates of contaminated water in Iowa, treatment facilities are experiencing high water demand and are currently lacking the resources to provide constant, adequate water. For example, Des Moines Water Works CEO Ted Corrigan said, “We just don’t physically have enough nitrate removal capacity to remove all the nitrate at higher summertime demand” (Gerlock). The Des Moines Water Works Treatment Center had a $48.5 million operating expense budget in 2020. (DMWW). The economic feasibility of installing more nitrate facilities will not only take more time but also more money. As standard water treatment processes are important and should be required to occur, treatment facilities are a secondary solution to the issue at hand. Decreasing the issue of water contamination at the root cause would include changing agricultural practices. A method that helps underwhelm treatment facilities that are experiencing an overflow of water that needs decontamination and provides a more economical solution to the nitrate issue than opening more facilities, which may not be feasible in some Iowa counties. (JF)

The issue of poor water quality in Iowa is also an equity issue. Research has shown that there are large disparities between different socio-demographic groups when experiencing poor water quality, specifically for experiencing high nitrate levels. (Padmore) To summarize, higher nitrate exposure can be observed in lower socioeconomic communities. For example, Clinton County had an 18.2% poverty rate in 2023, with a nearly breaching nitrate maximum contaminant level in 202,3, as previously explained, 9.623 Mg/L. (IDPH) It can be concluded that there are large disparities in higher nitrate exposure rates that are observed amongst socio-demographic groups, with people who live below the federal poverty line. What’s more, recovery from the negative impacts of water quality can be expensive. As previously explained, the installation and operation of water treatment facilities are expensive. However, these facilities are important in controlling the high contaminant levels experienced by Iowans. A report from the Royal Society of Chemistry explains, “The absence of nitrate removal processes at these PWSs contributes to the sustained elevated levels.” (Padmore) This information is related to the economic issues that have previously impacted Iowa residents’ access to adequate water quality. In this case, even if counties have water treatment facilities, many don’t include nitrate removal processes, contributing to the increased exposure of nitrate levels in water. This fact contributes to certain groups having disproportionate access to resources that address the environmental and health consequences of water quality. Several counties in Iowa don’t have nitrate removal processes in water treatment facilities, such as Crawford County. (IEC) Demonstrating the negative socio-equitable distributions of poor water quality has Iowans. (JF)

Another major issue with nitrates contaminating water quality in Iowa is the effect the chemical compound has on human health. Water pollution can affect recreational and drinking water from nitrates entering waterways through farming practices. On fertilizer applications, research suggests, “that chemical fertilizers pose a risk to human health and contribute to the development of chronic disease.” (Bashar) Additionally, pesticides with nitrates as an active ingredient have had associations with cancer, “adverse pregnancy outcomes,” and thyroid issues. (MNDOH). Recently, reports have been displaying Iowa to have the fastest-growing rate of new cancer cases in the United States. (Krebs) In general, both PFA’s and nitrates are types of carcinogens (NCI). An issue associated with these chemicals is blue baby syndrome, a condition that creates a blue skin appearance in babies due to low oxygen in the blood. (WDHS) Also, nitrates higher than the EPA contaminant level have proven to cause adverse health effects however according to a new scientific study “extended exposure to nitrate levels below the MCL in drinking water can still have adverse effects on health” (Padmore) At the national level revisions to regulatory statutes should be set in place based on new up-to-date research. For instance, a study found that “new epidemiological studies exploring even lower levels could potentially harm human health.” (Iowa State).  It will be critical for the nation and the state of Iowa to further research PFA’s & nitrates and how they impact health and the agriculture industry. At the individual level, you can contact regional and state water quality standards coordinators to uphold proper water quality. And participate in public comments and report inadequacies of water quality to the IDNR, local authorities, or crisis hotlines. The promotion and advocacy of environmentally conscious agriculture techniques, such as cover crop and no-till, helps limit the agricultural runoff that increases the exposure of nitrates in waterways. If poor water quality in Iowa remains unaddressed, risks posed to the health of local communities will increase.

A way to improve water quality in Iowa is through an environmental justice framework. Environmental Justice is a social movement that sparked around the 1980s to promote the idea that “all people and communities have the right to live and thrive in safe, healthy environments.” (APHA) Advocating for clean water through an environmental justice lens will help provide adequate and equitable resources to address current poor water quality issues. At the state level, Iowa implemented the Nutrient Reduction Strategy as a way to ensure the reduction of nutrients in local waterways from the Gulf of Mexico. (IDNR) This regulation and oversight are upheld by the IDNR. Additionally, at an international level, the United Nations (UN) developed 17 sustainable development goals for countries to work towards achieving equitable, good standards of living. (UN) Goal six focuses on clean water and sanitation. All of these interdisciplinary goals must be intertwined to achieve equity around the world. Unfortunately, this idea is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. The UN states that none of the SDG 6 targets are on track to be met. (UN) As of 2022, 2.2 billion people were without access to safely managed drinking water.” (UN) Safe, sustainable, and clean water quality relies on multiple elements, such as economically friendly, neutral environmental effects, positive human health effects, as well as equitable goals for everyone that environmental justice and grassroots organizations work to achieve. (JF)

With that being said, it is important to implement an environmental justice framework to improve Iowa’s water quality issues. When looking at a case study from Flint, Michigan, another area affected by poor water quality, environmental justice organizations and groups have been building back the water quality infrastructure in the state. Flint is a predominantly black town that experienced negative health effects due to contaminated water in the area. (Press) In 2014, the local government switched water supplies to retrieve water from the Flint River. (NRDC) However, lack of proper management, retention of regulations and protocol, as well as local, state, and national oversight, led to the waterway becoming contaminated. Specifically, through waste disposal from waste facilities as well as agricultural runoff from surrounding farms along the river. (NRDC) Soon, drinking water was affected through sight and taste. (NRDC) After local community members began to speak up, researchers found that “ nearly 17 percent of samples registered above the federal action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb),” regarding lead levels. (FWS) According to the NRDC, exposure to even minor levels of lead can have health impacts such as “anemia, hypertension, kidney impairment, immune system dysfunction, and toxicity to the reproductive organs.” (NRDC) On top of the lead issue, Flint, Michigan, community members were experiencing a form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. (NRDC) It would be a result of the waste facilities disposed of in the Flint waterway. This event ended up killing 12 people in the FlintMichigan area around 2014. (NRDC) Though numbers aren’t accurate, fixing the Flint, Michigan crisis cost hundreds of millions of dollars. (De Chant) Key lessons from this moment in history are how poor water quality negatively impacts environmental and human health. As well as create an economic strain and disproportionately affect communities of color. There is little research surrounding socioeconomic differences and water quality. However, a study found that “communities with higher proportions of Hispanic residents tend to be served by community water systems with higher nitrate and a greater likelihood of being over 5 Mg/L.”(Schaider) More specifically, “Many communities, especially the Black community and others that are historically marginalized, suffer from inadequate water infrastructure, leading to water contamination and health crisis.” (NAACP) However, environmental justice efforts have provided not only safe and clean drinking water but also advocated for ensuring clean water through treatment infrastructure restructuring, political engagement, and education and awareness. (UMich) Now, in Flint, Michigan, water meets all federal regulations and water quality standards and criteria. (NRDC) As previously explained, certain socio-demographic groups are prone to experiencing poor water quality and having minimal access to methods for improving water quality. As shown with Flint, Michigan, environmental justice frameworks that consider the environmental, equitable, and economic implications are a productive strategy for improving Iowa’s water quality. (JF)

In conclusion, water can be defined in several ways, such as potable, nonpotable, and natural water bodies, and can even relate to other groups, such as aquaculture. Water Quality criteria and standards are set in place nationally, however, state and local policies, governance, and legislation deeply and directly impact the waterway systems and community members. High-quality water comes from purification systems and treatment centers that range in various types of treatment procedures. The state of Iowa has an Iowa water plan to ensure water quality safety for Iowans across the state. A plan is critically needed the state is experiencing a high level of nitrates and other contaminants in the water system. However, several Iowans get water from private wells that are federally unregulated, so other Iowan policies are needed to ensure the safety of water. Beyond private wells, public water systems have become overwhelmed by excess levels of contaminants such as nitrates and bacteria that have made it difficult to meet demand for treated water. Poor water quality hurts the environment and public health. Good water quality is important for positive economic, equitable, and environmental outcomes in our local and national communities. Through an environmental justice framework, water in Iowa can be improved for the better.  Remember to advocate for clean water as it impacts your environment, financial situation, and health. (JF)