The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has told the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that seven impaired water segments should be added to the 2024 Iowa Impaired Waters list due to high nitrate levels that are toxic to human health. But the DNR is dragging its feet and failing to comply.

If impaired water segments are being left off the list, it creates misleading data that can be harmful to people and the environment. We need the Iowa DNR to be held to high standards and strong regulations.

Read more on the issue:

• EPA adds 7 segments to Iowa’s 2024 impaired water list [Iowa Capital Dispatch]

• EPA says Iowa’s 2024 list of impaired waters is incomplete [Iowa Public Radio]

• Double scolding to Iowa DNR is a moment to pivot and stand up for water quality [Des Moines Register]