Iowa rivers face record nitrate levels following heavy rains

Recent heavy rains in Iowa have led to record nitrate levels in the state’s major rivers, prompting concerns over water safety and environmental impacts.

Jared Strong reports for Iowa Capital Dispatch.

In short:

• Record-high nitrate levels have been detected in the Boone, Cedar, Iowa, and Turkey rivers due to recent heavy rainfall.
• Des Moines Water Works has reactivated its nitrate removal system as nitrate concentrations in some rivers exceeded safe drinking water standards.
• State efforts to reduce river nitrate levels through voluntary conservation measures have shown little progress over the past decade.

Key quote:

“This is one of the biggest nitrate leaching events in 11 years.”

— David Cwiertny, director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at the University of Iowa

Why this matters:

High nitrate levels can lead to increased algae growth in rivers and lakes, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. These conditions can also pose a threat to public health, as they compromise the safety of drinking water sources, particularly in heavily impacted areas like Des Moines.

Related EHN coverage: