DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: waterReturn

DNR accepting input on Chapter 61 water quality rulemaking

• 3/11/2021 3:02:00 PM
• View Count 1841

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 2482

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 1887

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 1907

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 2046

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 2062

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 2415

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 1961

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 2247

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 2652

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 1544

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 1845

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 3118

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 1790

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 2081

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 2987

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.

New Dry Run Creek watershed sign raises awareness of project in Black Hawk County

• 10/29/2020 1:26:00 PM
• View Count 2898

CEDAR FALLS — Travelers along University Avenue and County Road D-18 in western Black Hawk County may have noticed a new highway sign marking a feature they may not have realized existed before – a watershed.

Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here Tour Stops in Madison County

• 10/14/2020 10:13:00 AM
• View Count 1943

Campaign encourages all Iowans to take an active role in improving water quality DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 14, 2020) – The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour will visit the Madison County fairgrounds today in Winterset. This stop highlights efforts to protect Cedar Lake, the source of drinking water for Winterset. The Winterset Utility Board, Madison Soil and Water Conservation District, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service,...

Water Summary Update: Water Year 2020 ends on a dry note

• 10/8/2020 12:22:00 PM
• View Count 2759

DES MOINES — Iowa’s statewide precipitation was 3.76 inches below normal for the 2020 Water Year, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update: August brings drought conditions to nearly entire state

• 9/10/2020 11:59:00 AM
• View Count 2856

DES MOINES — August 2020 was the third driest August in 148 years of statewide records despite the Derecho storm event, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Online information available for Arrowhead Pond Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 9/3/2020 11:16:00 AM
• View Count 2106

NEOLA – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Arrowhead Pond in Pottawattamie County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Public hearing to take comments regarding proposed changes to Chapter 61, Section 401 water quality certification

• 8/27/2020 11:27:00 AM
• View Count 2434

DES MOINES -- The DNR will take comments at a public hearing Sept. 8 on proposed changes to Chapter 61 of Iowa Code, which would streamline the process in which the DNR certifies some water quality certifications.

DNR responded to a crash involving diesel spill

• 8/20/2020 8:56:00 PM
• View Count 1806

WATERLOO, Iowa – Iowa Department of Natural Resources Field Office staff responded to a crash involving a Kwik Star tanker truck that hit a residence near the intersection of Hammond and E. Ridgeway in Waterloo on Thursday morning.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides guidance related to waterfowl hunting in damaged crop fields

• 8/19/2020 7:17:00 AM
• View Count 6085

Hunters planning to hunt waterfowl in fields damaged by the derecho storm on Aug. 10 need to be aware of what has taken place in the field after the fact to stay in compliance with the regulations.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for virtual waterfowl hunting workshop

• 8/19/2020 7:00:00 AM
• View Count 2326

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a free virtual workshop to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to individuals who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience.

Online information available for Bob White Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 8/13/2020 3:14:00 PM
• View Count 2238

ALLERTON – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Bob White Lake in Wayne County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Iowa's water operators show dedication to local communities, clean water

• 8/13/2020 3:13:00 PM
• View Count 2004

The professionals who train and learn to operate Iowa’s 1,822 public water supplies and 814 wastewater facilities can be easily overlooked. But, to Jessica Montana, supervisor of the DNR’s southwest Iowa field office, “These are angels in a community.”

Boy killed in PWC crash on Clear Lake

• 8/12/2020 7:53:00 AM
• View Count 2509

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a collision involving two personal watercraft (PWC) occurred on Clear Lake, killing a 14 year old, who was operating one of the PWCs. A 12 year old, who was operating a second PWC involved in the crash, sustained minor injuries to the face. A passenger on the second PWC was not injured.

Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Issued for Adel

• 8/11/2020 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 1992

This advisory is due to a power loss at the water treatment plant that resulted in use of the emergency connection with Xenia Rural Water and a subsequent water main break on a four inch line close to the elevated storage tower.

Water Summary Update: extreme drought appears in Iowa

• 8/6/2020 1:59:00 PM
• View Count 4307

DES MOINES — For the first time in almost two years, an area of extreme drought exists in Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Online information available for Orient Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 7/30/2020 1:05:00 PM
• View Count 2588

ORIENT – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Orient Lake in Adair County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Dewey’s Pasture Wildlife Complex is a bucket list destination

• 7/28/2020 12:24:00 PM
• View Count 4067

The 8,000-acre Dewey’s Pasture complex, in northwest Iowa, is one of the best representatives of pre-settlement grassland-wetland ecosystems in the state and one of Iowa’s premier public areas.

Operation Dry Water 2020 nets 11 arrests

• 7/21/2020 12:46:00 PM
• View Count 5485

Operation Dry Water took place July 3-5, 2020 and focused eliminating boating under the influence (BUI). This year, in Iowa, 140 officers spent over 2,500 hours making contact with over 6,400 boaters on Iowa waterways.

Check Iowa’s latest report on your public drinking water

• 7/9/2020 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 9183

DES MOINES—Just released, DNR published the annual report on the public drinking water program, compiling a list of how well Iowa’s public water supplies comply with state and federal regulations. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires DNR to collect data and report any violations of health-based standards, and major monitoring or reporting requirements that occurred in the previous year.

City of Newell lifts water advisory after tests show water safe

• 7/9/2020 1:41:00 PM
• View Count 2347

NEWELL—The city of Newell in Buena Vista County lifted a “do not use” water advisory Wednesday night after laboratory test results showed the city’s drinking water is clear of mercury contamination.

Water Summary Update: 35 percent of state classified as abnormally dry

• 7/9/2020 1:40:00 PM
• View Count 3139

DES MOINES — Although statewide precipitation was near normal in June, northeast Iowa experienced extra wet conditions while western parts of the state have entered moderate drought, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Nutrient Reduction Strategy Annual Report Shows Record Conservation Engagement by Iowans

• 7/2/2020 3:40:00 PM
• View Count 3250

DES MOINES, Iowa (July 1, 2020) – The 2018-2019 Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) annual report was released today by Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The findings reveal increased farmer, landowner and community engagement, use of conservation practices, and funding invested in soil health and water quality projects.

South Skunk River to be designated as a State Water Trail

• 6/25/2020 1:08:00 PM
• View Count 2519

The Iowa DNR will officially designate the South Skunk River in Story County as a State Water Trail on Wednesday, June 24.

Wastewater released in Council Bluffs

• 6/23/2020 4:49:00 PM
• View Count 1893

COUNCIL BLUFFS—The city of Council Bluffs requested permission to release untreated wastewater to the Missouri River after discovering problems with a sewer line this morning.

Public comment period for proposed rulemaking for aquatic life water quality criteria

• 6/18/2020 12:06:00 PM
• View Count 2884

DES MOINES - A public comment period will be closing June 23, 2020 for a proposed amendment that updates the current aquatic life water quality criteria with the latest scientific information on metal toxicity.

DNR officers help overturned personal watercraft on Lake Manawa

• 6/16/2020 1:28:00 PM
• View Count 2346

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The DNR and Council Bluffs Fire Department were notified of a personal watercraft that had overturned on Lake Manawa, Sunday, June 14. 

DNR investigating wastewater discharge in Fort Dodge

• 6/5/2020 9:14:00 AM
• View Count 2700

FORT DODGE, Iowa - DNR environmental specialists responded to a wastewater discharge to surface water between the Fort Dodge Industrial Park and the City of Fort Dodge on Thursday.

Water Summary Update: May rainfall about normal for Iowa

• 6/4/2020 12:43:00 PM
• View Count 2504

DES MOINES — While rainfall was about normal in May for the state, on average, a wide band across the central part of the state was drier than normal, while the north, south, and eastern edges were wetter, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Personal watercrafts collide on Mississippi River causing injury

• 5/22/2020 8:48:00 AM
• View Count 2579

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, Iowa – On May 20, 2020 at approximately 4:50pm, Lansing first responders were dispatched to collision between two personal watercrafts (PWC) in the main channel on the Mississippi River, just north of Lansing.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend

• 5/19/2020 1:32:00 PM
• View Count 3570

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.

Page 5 of 12 FirstPrevious 34[5]67 NextLast