Water Pollution In Iowa: Is It A Concern?

Water pollution in Iowa is a growing problem. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on addressing the issue, the state's water quality is still declining. The main sources of water pollution in Iowa are agriculture and livestock operations, with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus found in the water. This has led to toxic algae blooms and contaminated drinking water sources, affecting both public water supplies and private wells. While efforts are being made to improve water quality, the problem persists and raises questions about the effectiveness of the current approaches.

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution

Iowa's water pollution is a growing problem, and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution are significant contributors. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for all life, and farmers in Iowa ensure their crops receive enough nitrogen by growing nitrogen-fixing plants like soybeans or by applying fertilizer and manure. While the ideal scenario is for the crops to absorb nitrogen and for it to be removed during the harvest, this is not always the case.

Nitrogen can be lost to the environment, particularly to the air and water through a process called leaching. When water moves through the soil, it can carry nitrogen, especially in the form of nitrate, to surface and groundwater. This excess nitrate in drinking water is unsafe for human consumption, and in natural bodies of water, it contributes to harmful algal blooms, which can suffocate fish and other animals when the algae decay.

Iowa's water bodies have been adversely affected by nitrogen pollution. Studies have shown that nitrogen pollution in Iowa's water is getting worse despite efforts and funding to reduce it. The state's nitrogen levels in the Gulf of Mexico climbed by 47%, and it averaged 45% of the nitrogen levels in the Upper Mississippi River basin and 55% in the Missouri River basin. The high levels of nitrogen in the Missouri River can be attributed to the growing concentration of livestock feeding operations in western Iowa.

Phosphorus pollution is another concern in Iowa's water. High phosphorus levels can lead to toxic algae blooms, which can contaminate lakes, rivers, and streams, posing a threat to both human and animal life. While the federal government has set limits for nitrate levels in drinking water, there is still a need for more stringent environmental laws to address the root causes of nutrient pollution in Iowa.

Water quality standards

Iowa's water pollution problem is getting worse, with the Iowa River and western Iowa waterways being the most affected. The pollution is caused by engineering projects, such as the straightening of rivers and streams, and pollution from large-scale agriculture, including fertilizer runoff from fields and feces from livestock. The state has a significant problem with nitrates and E. coli in its waterways, which can cause explosive algae blooms and indicate the presence of other dangerous bacteria.

To address these issues, Iowa has implemented Water Quality Standards (WQS) to protect and improve the quality of its water bodies. These standards are set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA is a federal law that establishes a comprehensive framework for regulating discharges into US waters and protecting water quality. The Act sets forth requirements for controlling pollution and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.

The WQS for Iowa are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of the state's water bodies and are designed to protect their designated uses, such as drinking water supply, aquatic life support, and recreational activities. They include criteria for various pollutants, including nutrients, pathogens, and toxic substances, and set allowable limits for their presence in water bodies. The standards also incorporate anti-degradation requirements, which aim to prevent any lowering of water quality in areas where it is better than the established criteria and to ensure that existing uses are maintained and protected.

The EPA is responsible for reviewing and approving Iowa's WQS, ensuring they meet the requirements of the CWA and provide adequate protection for the state's water resources. These standards serve as the foundation for water quality management and pollution control efforts, guiding the development of permits, monitoring programs, and enforcement actions. By implementing and enforcing these standards, Iowa aims to improve and maintain the quality of its water bodies, protect public health and the environment, and ensure the sustainable use of its aquatic resources.

Sources of drinking water

Iowa's water pollution is a growing problem, with pollution from agriculture, engineering projects, and large-scale farming heavily degrading water quality. The state's drinking water sources are primarily divided into two categories: public water supplies and private wells.

Public water supplies in Iowa include city water utilities, rural water supplies, mobile home parks, and other systems serving 25 or more people daily. In 2021, approximately 2.94 million Iowans relied on public water supplies, with 1,842 such systems in operation. These systems are regulated to meet specific water quality standards, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is tasked with routinely monitoring water quality, ensuring proper system design and maintenance, and notifying the public of any violations. While the majority of these systems complied with health-based standards in 2021, about 70 supplies had violations related to health, maximum residual disinfectant levels, treatment techniques, or action levels. The most common health-based standard violations were for nitrate-nitrogen and arsenic.

On the other hand, private wells typically serve fewer than 25 individuals per day, with about 7% of Iowans, or 230,000 people, depending on this source. Private well owners are responsible for maintaining water quality and are recommended to test their water annually for pollutants and safety. Some pollutants, like arsenic, are odorless and tasteless, and can pose significant health risks over time, including an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and various other disorders. Other contaminants found in elevated levels in private wells include bacteria and nitrate. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides recommendations and guidelines for testing and treating these contaminants.

The quality of water in wells can be influenced by various factors, including construction techniques, the geographic setting, and land use in the watershed. Wells constructed before 1982 may have fewer protective features, and owners might not have access to construction documentation. The state of Iowa offers a unique program that provides free or low-cost annual testing for private wells, encouraging well owners to take advantage of this service to ensure the safety of their drinking water.

Agricultural pollution

Iowa's water pollution is a growing problem, and agricultural pollution is a significant contributor. The state is a leader in agricultural production, including corn, soybean, pork, eggs, and beef. This intensive farming has resulted in increased pollution from fertilizer and livestock waste, which has severely impacted Iowa's waterways.

One of the primary issues is nutrient pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen pollution in Iowa's water has increased by nearly 50% over two decades, according to a University of Iowa study. The elevated nitrogen levels have severe ecological and health consequences. For example, high nitrate levels in drinking water can be fatal to infants under six months old. The state's waterways have also experienced explosive algae blooms due to excess nutrients, which can kill wildlife and make people sick.

Fertilizer runoff from agricultural fields is a significant source of nutrient pollution. Iowa's cropped area has increased by 4% over the past 18 years, and the state's intensive farming practices contribute large amounts of nitrogen to its waterways. The straightening of rivers and streams for agriculture has also degraded water quality, especially in Western Iowa.

Livestock operations, particularly Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), are another significant source of agricultural pollution. Iowa has allowed CAFOs to operate with minimal regulation, leading to fecal contamination and high E. coli levels in nearby waterways. The state's large and growing concentration of livestock feeding operations, especially in Western Iowa, likely contributes significantly to the high nitrate levels in the Missouri River.

While Iowa has invested significant resources into improving water quality, the reliance on voluntary compliance by farmers has been ineffective. Environmentalists and scientists advocate for stricter regulations and increased conservation practices to address the state's ongoing water pollution crisis.

Water pollution solutions

Water pollution in Iowa is a growing problem. The state's waterways are heavily polluted due to engineering projects, large-scale agriculture, and unregulated confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The pollution has led to foul-looking and foul-smelling rivers with murky brown water and a slimy residue.

Water pollution is a pressing issue not just in Iowa but across the globe. It is estimated that unsafe water kills more people annually than war and all other forms of violence combined. With increasing demand for freshwater, it is in our best interest to protect our water sources. Here are some solutions to tackle water pollution, specifically addressing the issues contributing to water pollution in Iowa:

• Treating wastewater before it is reintroduced into waterways: Wastewater treatment facilities can effectively remove pollutants through chemical, physical, or biological processes. This method is highly effective in reducing toxicity levels in sewage.
• Managing stormwater: Stormwater picks up harmful pollutants as it flows along sidewalks, streets, and lawns, eventually carrying them into storm drains, streams, and rivers. By managing stormwater, the amount of pollution reaching these water bodies can be reduced. This includes practices such as sweeping fertilizer back onto the grass and avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers near bodies of water.
• Reducing agricultural pollution: Agriculture is a significant contributor to water pollution, especially in Iowa. Encouraging more sustainable agricultural practices, such as green agriculture and planting trees and other plants near waterways, can help prevent chemical runoff into water bodies.
• Proper waste disposal: Incorrect sewage disposal, such as flushing items like dust cloths and wrappers down the toilet, can lead to blocked sewage lines and difficulty in properly treating wastewater. Proper waste disposal practices, including the use of wastebaskets, can help reduce pollution levels.
• Regulating CAFOs: Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have been allowed to operate largely unregulated in Iowa, leading to fecal contamination and elevated nitrogen levels in the water. Implementing regulations and proper waste management practices for CAFOs can help reduce water pollution.
• Preventing oil spills and leaks: Oil pollution, often from land-based sources like factories and farms, is a significant cause of water pollution. Implementing proper waste management systems and reducing oil leaks and spills can help protect water sources.

Frequently asked questions