DES MOINES – While northeast Iowa received significant rainfall in July, about two-thirds of the state is experiencing dry conditions.
Released today, the monthly Water Summary Update shows dry areas extending from northwest to southeast Iowa, including significant areas of moderate drought. The average rainfall for the state was 1.3 inches below normal for July, but large areas of central and southeast Iowa were 3 to 4 inches below normal for the month. Streamflow and groundwater conditions mirror the rainfall amounts.
"There are large areas of dryness and drought in Iowa, and we are advising water utilities and ag producers in those areas to pay careful attention to conditions, especially if pockets of drought continue to worsen," said Tim Hall, who coordinates DNR’s hydrology resources.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.