DES MOINES — Continued rains have resulted in drought free conditions for the state. Streamflow remains normal to above normal in most areas and groundwater levels are slightly below normal in areas of Dubuque and Winneshiek Counties. However, the overall assessment of the state’s conditions is near-normal.
Streamflow conditions were above or much above normal for the majority of the state. South central Iowa streamflows have decreased in a few basins from much above normal conditions to above normal conditions, and a few western, north western, and north central basins have moved into the much above normal category.
August was unseasonably cool and rain totals varied from 1.30 inches at the Ottumwa Airport up to 13.03 inches at Randolph in Fremont County. Overall, frequent rain across the northwest during August eliminated all of the ‘abnormally dry’ designation.
For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by the technical staff from the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.