Stay sober and alert on the water this July 4th weekend 6/25/2024 11:36:00 AM View Count 606 DES MOINES - State, federal and local law enforcement agencies encourage all boaters to avoid alcohol and drugs this busy holiday weekend to ensure everyone’s safety on Iowa waters.
Wastewater released near Carter Lake 6/17/2024 4:35:00 PM View Count 841 On Friday, June 14th, the Iowa DNR Field Office in Atlantic received a complaint alleging sewage flowing on the ground at Lakeside Estates Trailer Home Park in Carter Lake
Heavy rainfall in northwest Iowa leads to multiple wastewater treatment bypasses near the Okoboji Lakes area, public advised to avoid floodwaters 6/17/2024 2:56:00 PM View Count 4155 Heavy rainfall and power outages in northwest Iowa lead to multiple wastewater discharges in the Iowa Great Lakes area
Water Summary Update: Drought conditions end after four years 6/6/2024 3:06:00 PM View Count 1384 After four years of below normal rainfall and drought conditions, the State of Iowa has returned to normal hydrologic conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Equipment to measure waves deployed this week in Upper Mississippi River Pool 13 5/28/2024 2:18:00 PM View Count 1745 CLINTON, Iowa - A study to learn more about waves and water clarity on the Mississippi River is underway after wave monitors were deployed within several locations on Pool 13.
After years of cloudy conditions, the Trout Run project is aiming for a brighter future for an essential water source in northeast Iowa. 5/23/2024 8:12:00 AM View Count 2080 A new phase of watershed project work has begun in Decorah with the approval of the Trout Run Watershed Plan. The Trout Run and Siewers Spring project, funded by EPA Section 319 grants, is a collaboration between the DNR 319 Program and DNR Fisheries. The project aims to provide increased technical assistance and cost-share for soil health and water quality practices for farmers and landowners in the watershed.
Heavy rainfall leads to multiple wastewater treatment bypasses, public advised to avoid floodwaters 5/22/2024 12:51:00 PM View Count 2161 Following days of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and Tuesday’s severe storms, multiple Iowa wastewater treatment plants have reported discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater.
Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend 5/14/2024 12:25:00 PM View Count 1949 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.
Water Summary Update: April rainfall helps improve drought conditions across the state 5/9/2024 2:40:00 PM View Count 1544 Consistent above-normal rainfall in April has improved overall drought conditions across the state, leading to increased river and stream levels, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Wastewater Bypass City of Fontanelle to Middle Nodaway River 5/7/2024 1:24:00 PM View Count 1385 ADAIR COUNTY—Heavy precipitation is causing a bypass of untreated wastewater from the City of Fontanelle. It is flowing from the lift station located at Washington and Main Streets in town to an unnamed tributary which runs over a mile before reaching the Middle Nodaway River.
Water Summary Update: Late March showers lead to some improvement in drought conditions 4/4/2024 12:46:00 PM View Count 1996 DES MOINES – After the second driest February on record, above-normal rainfall in March helped improve some drought conditions across Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
DNR accepting public comment for water quality certification of permit 3/28/2024 3:10:00 PM View Count 2496 DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is accepting public and stakeholder comments regarding the Section 401 Water Quality Certification of the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Regional Permit 7.
Wastewater discharge in Jones County reaches Wapsipinicon River 3/27/2024 11:13:00 AM View Count 2221 DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater discharge at the City of Anamosa in Jones County.
DNR Releases Latest Draft of Impaired Waters List 3/19/2024 10:50:00 AM View Count 2700 DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the newly released draft impaired waters list (303(d) list).
Water Summary Update: Extremely dry February extends record drought conditions streak 3/7/2024 2:25:00 PM View Count 2235 DES MOINES -- February set multiple records for warm, dry conditions and minimal precipitation, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Untreated groundwater discharge reaches Boyer River 2/26/2024 4:20:00 PM View Count 2117 DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources was notified of an untreated water discharge into the Boyer River in Crawford County.
Eager paddlers encouraged to wait for warmer water 2/20/2024 12:26:00 PM View Count 3223 The weather is starting to feel like spring, but water temperatures are still dangerously cold.
Water Summary Update: Statewide drought conditions improve with January snowfall 2/9/2024 10:36:00 AM View Count 2092 DES MOINES -- January’s above-normal snowfall has improved drought conditions across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Water Summary Update: Drought conditions persist despite increased December rainfall 1/11/2024 4:14:00 PM View Count 3589 DES MOINES -- Despite above-normal rainfall in December, overall conditions at the end of 2023 remain dry, according to the latest Water Summary Update
Drought conditions continue during record streak 12/21/2023 2:10:00 PM View Count 5404 DES MOINES - The current drought is the longest in Iowa since the 1950s, with abnormally dry and drought conditions extending into the 188th week in a row, according to the latest data available.
Water Summary Update: November one of driest months on record 12/7/2023 2:37:00 PM View Count 3284 DES MOINES -- Preliminary numbers show November to be one of the driest months on record, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Lake Restoration Program draft 2023 report and 2024 plan available for public comment 12/5/2023 11:47:00 AM View Count 3800 DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Restoration Program is accepting comments on the newly released draft 2023 Lake Restoration Report and 2024 Plan, beginning Dec. 11.
Water Summary Update: October rainfall breaks streak of dry months 11/9/2023 6:39:00 PM View Count 4266 DES MOINES - October’s above-normal precipitation broke a streak of drier-than-normal months that began in March, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Spirit Lake man identified as victim of Saturday’s hunting incident 10/23/2023 1:18:00 PM View Count 6320 MILFORD - Joseph Salmon, 18, of Spirit Lake, was injured Saturday morning while waterfowl hunting along the shore of a slough at the Spring Run Wildlife Area, in Dickinson County.
Greenfield wastewater leak near Middle Nodaway River 10/23/2023 7:18:00 AM View Count 4175 GREENFIELD -- On Friday, Oct. 20, a sewer line break caused untreated wastewater to reach an unnamed tributary of the Middle Nodaway River north of 230th Street/North Townline Road on the north edge of Greenfield. Residents should keep children and pets away from the unnamed tributary at 230th Street north to the confluence of the Middle Nodaway River.
Water Summary Update: 2023 Water Year end shows third dry year in a row 10/6/2023 11:15:00 AM View Count 5251 DES MOINES - For the third year in a row, precipitation was below normal for Iowa’s Water Year, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Drought conditions worsen – but recent rain will help 9/21/2023 2:35:00 PM View Count 4270 DES MOINES -- Drought conditions across eastern Iowa continue to worsen, according the latest Water Summary Update. The National Drought Mitigation Center’s Sept. 21 U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) released this morning shows areas of Exceptional Drought (D4) for the first time since the fall of 2012.
Water Summary Update: Drought conditions worsen in eastern Iowa 9/7/2023 3:08:00 PM View Count 3359 DES MOINES - August saw another below normal rainfall month in Iowa, with preliminary data showing that the state received 3.25 inches of rain, 0.88 inches below normal. This marks the sixth month in a row of less than normal rainfall.
Iowa’s teal-only hunting season opens Sept. 1 8/29/2023 2:02:00 PM View Count 3841 Iowa’s 16-day teal only hunting season begins statewide Sept. 1, offering hunters an opportunity to enjoy Iowa’s wetlands and shallow lakes during the mild late summer weather.
Help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants around West Okoboji Lake 8/16/2023 7:23:00 AM View Count 2602 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for help to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad around West Okoboji Lake.
Invasive aquatic plants confirmed at West Okoboji Lake 8/9/2023 7:28:00 AM View Count 3509 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently discovered Eurasian watermilfoil growing throughout the canals near Miller’s Bay and The Harbor canals on West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County. Brittle naiad was also found in the Triboji lagoon. No Eurasian watermilfoil or brittle naiad was found in the main lake of West Okoboji or the other lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes chain.
Water Summary Update: July 2023 - Drought conditions intensify after another dry month 8/3/2023 2:54:00 PM View Count 3351 DES MOINES - The month of July ended in dry conditions, with Iowa receiving 3.10 inches of rain, more than an inch below normal. This marks the fifth month in a row of less than normal rainfall. According to the Iowa Drought Plan, 4 of the 5 regions of the state are in “drought watch”. The US Drought Monitor shows that nearly all of Iowa faces some dryness or drought, with over half the state facing moderate drought conditions.
Late summer underwater aquatic plant control for ponds 8/1/2023 12:15:00 PM View Count 2869 A healthy pond needs aquatic plants, but too many can upset a fishing pond’s balance and become a nuisance. Many pond owners struggle with how to control the amount of aquatic plants, without completely removing all of them, so they can enjoy their pond.
Learn to Hunt program opens registration for women-only waterfowl workshop 8/1/2023 12:06:00 PM View Count 2954 Polk City, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to women who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience.
Learn to Hunt program opens registration for youth waterfowl workshop 7/25/2023 11:55:00 AM View Count 2749 Polk City, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to youth who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience on Aug. 26, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City.
Lake Keomah State Park restoration being planned 7/25/2023 11:48:00 AM View Count 2953 OSKALOOSA – Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other project partners are planning a lake restoration project at Lake Keomah State Park to improve water quality and recreational opportunities.
DNR requests public comment on statewide lake bacteria water quality improvement plan 7/24/2023 7:27:00 AM View Count 2550 DES MOINES – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in lake environments for bacteria can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.
DNR offers public comment period on Chariton River Water Quality Improvement Plan 7/24/2023 7:17:00 AM View Count 2245 CENTERVILLE – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in the Chariton River can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.
Water Summary Update for June 2023: Drought Conditions Intensify after another dry month 7/6/2023 2:30:00 PM View Count 3348 DES MOINES - The state of Iowa experienced another dry month, with June providing 2.90 inches of rain, only 55 percent of normal. This continues the drier-than-normal trend seen in March, April, and May. The US Drought Monitor shows that nearly all Iowa faces some dryness or drought.
New electronic fee payment option for Wastewater Construction permit applications and NPDES permits 6/29/2023 3:16:00 PM View Count 2653 The Wastewater Engineering and NPDES Sections now accept electronic payments for Wastewater Construction Permit applications and NPDES permit fees on the Iowa DNR Payment System.
Cedar River Water Trail in Mitchell County dedicated June 29 6/27/2023 4:39:00 PM View Count 2478 The Cedar River Water Trail, in Mitchell County, will be officially dedicated as Iowa’s newest water trail during a public ceremony at 10 a.m., June 29, at Bennett Access along the Cedar River, near Osage.
Stay safe paddling this 4th of July holiday weekend 6/27/2023 4:34:00 PM View Count 2435 Iowa lakes and rivers will be busy with paddlers this long holiday weekend.
Major restoration effort to improve Black Hawk Lake nearing completion 6/20/2023 2:38:00 PM View Count 2977 LAKE VIEW – A second and final season of dredging on Black Hawk Lake, located in Sac County, is scheduled to end the week of June 18th. An additional two to three weeks of site clean-up and contractor demobilization will follow the dredging work.
Operation Dry Water starts July 1 6/20/2023 2:33:00 PM View Count 4085 DES MOINES - A group of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies will partner to focus enforcement of Iowa’s boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence.
Aggressive treatment planned for Eurasian watermilfoil found in Lost Grove Lake 6/13/2023 1:16:00 PM View Count 3327 DAVENPORT - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will start treating Lost Grove Lake at the end of June with the approved aquatic herbicide Sonar A.S. to eliminate Eurasian watermilfoil.