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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: waterReturn

Significant October rainfall improves Iowa drought conditions

• 11/4/2021 12:07:00 PM
• View Count 1621

DES MOINES —This October ranks as one of the top 10 wettest Octobers on record, with rainfall significantly improving drought conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Iowa Finance Authority and DNR announce Hometown Pride Water Tower Contest

• 10/14/2021 4:15:00 PM
• View Count 1899

DES MOINES–The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources today announced a water tower contest that challenges Iowa communities to show off their hometown pride in a short video for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind water tower design by Iowa artist Laura Palmer as well as design installation. The contest is in recognition of the importance of water quality and the State Revolving Fund’s efforts to assist nearly 700 communities in financing water quality improvements.

Water Summary Update: End of the 2021 Water Year sees continued drought conditions

• 10/7/2021 11:50:00 AM
• View Count 1854

DES MOINES — The end of September brought the 2021 Water Year to a close, and drought conditions have not improved significantly as the state moves into fall.

Waterfowl refuge at Hawkeye Wildlife Area closed until mid-December

• 9/28/2021 9:36:00 PM
• View Count 1560

SWISHER, Iowa - The waterfowl refuge at the Hawkeye Wildlife Area is currently closed to hunting all species to allow waterfowl and other birds a place to rest during the fall migration. The refuge closed Sept. 24, and will reopen to hunting mid-December.

Iowa’s youth only waterfowl season starts Sept. 25 in the north zone

• 9/14/2021 3:06:00 PM
• View Count 1471

The first of Iowa’s two-day youth waterfowl seasons begin Sept. 25 in the north zone, allowing the kids to experience the fun of the hunt, without the pressure of keeping up with the adults, or fighting lousy weather. 

Public invited to Sept. 15 open house on current and future recreation projects

• 9/13/2021 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 1299

WEST DES MOINES - An open house to discuss current and future projects in the neighborhood of Walnut Woods State Park, Raccoon River Park and Purple Martin Water Resource Area is set for Sept. 15, from 6-8 p.m., at Walnut Woods State Park Lodge, in West Des Moines.

Public comment period for Section 401 Water Quality Certification of Nationwide Permits

• 9/9/2021 12:06:00 PM
• View Count 1475

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting comments for the Section 401 Water Quality Certification of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Nationwide Permits.

Meeting to discuss statewide bacteria water quality improvement plan

• 9/2/2021 2:42:00 PM
• View Count 1195

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. 

Water Summary Update: August rainfall brings improvement to drought conditions

• 9/2/2021 2:37:00 PM
• View Count 1845

DES MOINES — August was the first of the summer months to bring above-normal precipitation to the state, providing significant relief to the ongoing drought conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Iowa’s drinking water—something you can rely on

• 8/19/2021 11:05:00 AM
• View Count 1906

DES MOINES—Iowa’s public water systems deliver ample clean water, according to the 2020 Annual Drinking water Compliance Report.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for virtual waterfowl Q& A session

• 8/17/2021 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 1532

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a virtual program to that allows participants to ask questions from statewide experts and waterfowl hunting enthusiasts.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for Sept. 11 waterfowl workshop

• 8/10/2021 1:21:00 PM
• View Count 1655

DES MOINES - 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.

Water Summary Update: Despite average July rainfall, extreme drought returns to Iowa

• 8/5/2021 1:48:00 PM
• View Count 1630

DES MOINES — Iowa received 3.98 inches of rain in July, slightly less than normal, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for youth waterfowl workshop

• 7/28/2021 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 1636

DES MOINES - 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. 28, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City.

Chapter 61 Rule Making: Section 401 Water Quality Certification

• 7/22/2021 3:34:00 PM
• View Count 1309

DES MOINES -- The Environmental Protection Commission has amended Chapter 61 to streamline and clarify the process of obtaining Section 401 Water Quality Certification (certification) of federal permits and licenses.

Ongoing wastewater discharge in Davenport’s Walnut Creek

• 7/20/2021 6:00:00 PM
• View Count 919

DAVENPORT—An ongoing wastewater discharge in Walnut Creek was reported to the city of Davenport’s Public Works and to DNR about 2 p.m. today.

Comments on the Cedar River Water Trail Plan accepted until Oct. 1

• 7/20/2021 11:41:00 AM
• View Count 1529

Osage, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Mitchell County Conservation Board are accepting public comments that will be included in the upcoming Cedar River Water Trail Plan.

Water Summary Update: Some rain in June, but drought spreads

• 7/8/2021 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 1705

DES MOINES — The month of June saw 3.31 inches of rain in Iowa, almost two inches less than normal. The lower than normal rainfall, combined with warmer than normal temperatures, resulted in an expansion of drought conditions across the state.

Ongoing wastewater discharge in Eldon ended Tuesday evening

• 6/30/2021 4:02:00 PM
• View Count 1590

ELDON—The city of Eldon has temporarily repaired a sewer line that washed out June 24, stopping an ongoing wastewater discharge.

Safety a main focus this Fourth of July holiday weekend

• 6/30/2021 1:16:00 PM
• View Count 3039

DES MOINES – State and local law enforcement agencies will be focusing safety this Fourth of July holiday weekend as thousands are expected to travel across the state and recreate on Iowa’s natural resources.

Water safety heading into the warm Fourth of July weekend

• 6/29/2021 1:20:00 PM
• View Count 1708

JOHNSTON, Iowa – The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk County Health Department, Iowa State Patrol and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be available on Wednesday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lakeview Boat Ramp, located off NW Beaver Drive to provide water safety tips for Iowans heading into the Fourth of July weekend.

Water Summary Update: Recent rainfall should help improve drought conditions

• 6/24/2021 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 3468

DES MOINES —  With seven days remaining in June, Iowa precipitation totals remain 2 inches below normal with nearly the entire state in some form of dryness or drought, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update: Nearly 90 percent of Iowa experiencing some degree of drought

• 6/10/2021 11:01:00 AM
• View Count 3159

DES MOINES —  Precipitation averaged more than an inch below normal for the month of May, streamflows are dropping, soil moisture is low and shallow groundwater conditions are a concern in several areas of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend

• 5/18/2021 1:40:00 PM
• View Count 1681

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.

DNR and partners to host free online panel discussion on drought conditions

• 5/13/2021 1:03:00 PM
• View Count 1657

DES MOINES —  The Iowa DNR and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, along with other state and federal partners, will host a free online webinar May 26 to discuss drought conditions in Iowa.

DNR staff to discuss boating, paddling and safety at Altoona’s Bass Pro Shops May 15 and 22

• 5/11/2021 1:18:00 PM
• View Count 2063

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have boating, padding and safety experts at Bass Pro Shops, in Altoona, May 15 and May 22, to talk with customers about lifejackets, safety and Iowa’s upcoming season on the water.

Water Summary Update: Overall drought conditions trending downward in April

• 5/6/2021 3:52:00 PM
• View Count 2085

DES MOINES —  Statewide average precipitation totaled 1.61 inches in April, or 1.9 inches below normal, ranking last month as one of the top 20 driest Aprils in 149 years of statewide records, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update: Drought conditions improving after rainy, warm March

• 4/8/2021 11:52:00 AM
• View Count 1644

DES MOINES — Drought conditions are improving across the state, thanks to more precipitation than usual during March, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update: February 2021 the eighth coldest on record in Iowa

• 3/11/2021 3:06:00 PM
• View Count 2273

DES MOINES — Last month’s polar vortex led to the eighth coldest February in Iowa on record while also tallying below-average precipitation, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

DNR accepting input on Chapter 61 water quality rulemaking

• 3/11/2021 3:02:00 PM
• View Count 1681

DES MOINES -- The Environmental Protection Commission is proposing to amend Chapter 61 to streamline the process by which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources certifies that each United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) nationwide or regional Federal Water Pollution Control Act Section 404 permit (Corps’ nationwide or regional permit) meets Iowa’s water quality standards.

Easter Lake watershed improvement efforts receive national recognition

• 3/4/2021 3:11:00 PM
• View Count 2232

DES MOINES -- A project behind a major renovation effort to improve water quality in Easter Lake, located on Des Moines’ south side, has received national recognition.

Water Summary Update: January precipitation, temperatures higher than average

• 2/4/2021 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 1755

DES MOINES — While January is usually the driest month of the year, last month saw above-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Proposed Boone River water trail extension topic of Feb. 10 virtual public meeting

• 2/2/2021 1:22:00 PM
• View Count 1760

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Boone River Watershed Management Authority are hosting a virtual public meeting on Feb. 10, at 6 p.m., to discuss a proposal to extend the Boone River Water Trail from its current position in Webster City north to the Wright-Hancock County line.

Water Summary Update: drought remains following a dry 2020

• 1/14/2021 1:39:00 PM
• View Count 1864

DES MOINES — Drought and abnormally dry conditions remain across Iowa with drought boundaries remaining status quo, following a 2020 that ranked as the 36th driest year on record in Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Online information available for Hickory Grove Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 1/14/2021 1:35:00 PM
• View Count 1828

NEVADA – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Hickory Grove Lake in Story County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

USGS Media Advisory: Study of Asian Carp Deterrent Begins in January

• 1/12/2021 11:23:00 AM
• View Count 2229

Scientists, engineers and contractors are scheduled to begin installing a temporary, experimental underwater Acoustic Deterrent System, or uADS, at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 19 between Keokuk, Iowa, and Hamilton, Illinois, on Jan. 11. The construction is part of a study to understand how invasive Asian carp respond to acoustic, or sound, signals.

Online information available for addendum to Briggs Woods Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 12/17/2020 11:34:00 AM
• View Count 1759

WEBSTER CITY – Iowans interested in an addendum of a DNR study to improve water quality in Briggs Woods Lake in Hamilton County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Water Summary Update: drought in Iowa largely unchanged in a warmer November

• 12/10/2020 12:00:00 PM
• View Count 2053

DES MOINES — With slightly lower than normal precipitation in November, northwest and west central Iowa continue to show signs of significant dryness and drought, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Hunting restricted at Otter Creek Marsh, Hawkeye Wildlife Area refuges to non-waterfowl species

• 12/8/2020 7:08:00 PM
• View Count 2431

The 450-acre wildlife refuge section of Otter Creek Marsh Wildlife Area in Tama County will open for public use on Dec. 9, including for trapping and hunting game species other than waterfowl.  

DNR assists as city of Fairfield stops wastewater release

• 12/8/2020 7:04:00 PM
• View Count 1409

FAIRFIELD - Tuesday morning, the DNR assisted the city of Fairfield with an ongoing wastewater overflow east of the Maharishi International University Recreation Center.

Public comment sought on Section 401 water quality certification of regional permits 40 and 41

• 12/4/2020 8:44:00 AM
• View Count 1686

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for public comment on the certification of new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Regional Permits 40 and 41.

DNR releases latest draft of 303d impaired waters list

• 12/1/2020 4:23:00 PM
• View Count 2884

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the newly released draft impaired waters list. Data released by the Iowa DNR today shows 99 impairments are recommended to be removed from the 303d impairment list, once approved by the EPA.

Water Summary Update: Dry conditions prevail in western Iowa

• 11/12/2020 2:05:00 PM
• View Count 1634

DES MOINES - Rainfall in Iowa was almost an inch below normal in October, averaging 1.66 inches over the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Chapter 61 Rule Making: Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Metals

• 11/5/2020 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 1942

DES MOINES -- The Environmental Protection Commission has amended Chapter 61 to update aquatic life water quality criteria for selected metals. 

Virtual clinic aims to improve hunter skills

• 11/3/2020 12:29:00 PM
• View Count 2824

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free virtual wing shooting clinic designed to help hunters age 16 and older become more effective waterfowl and upland bird hunters.

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