61% of rivers and streams are listed as impaired Every two years, as required under the Clean Water Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) submits a list of impaired waterways in the state. These rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands are listed as impaired if they do not meet the state’s water quality (WQ) standards for their intended use and need a water quality improvement plan. The reason(s) for an impairment can include a range of criteria like algae blooms, bacteria, turbidity, nutrients, pesticides, fish kills, and heavy metals like aluminum and mercury. The IDNR studied 1,300 water segments – 994 rivers and streams, 178 lakes and reservoirs, 128 wetlands – and 586 were considered impaired. – Only 16% of the tested River and Stream segments met all WQ standards. 61% are impaired and 23% are potentially impaired – 30% of the tested Lake and Reservoir segments met all WQ standards. 67% are impaired and 3% are potentially impaired – 52% of the tested Wetland segments met all WQ standards. 23% are impaired and 26% are potentially impaired The IDNR is asking for public comments on this list of impaired waterbodies. Comments will be accepted through January 1, 2021. To send a comment you can email IRcomment@dnr.iowa.gov or write to: Iowa Department of Natural Resources Attention: IR Comments Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment Section Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 All Iowans deserve healthy waterbodies! We should be able to swim, fish, and kayak (or canoe) in our favorite river or stream. We must hold our representatives accountable and pass legislation to protect these resources. Join us as we advocate for our waterways. |
