Resurgence of avian influenza in wild birds 12/16/2024 7:01:00 AM View Count 1840 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its federal partners have been monitoring for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Iowa’s wild birds since early 2022. After nearly a year without detections in sick or dead birds, Iowa has seen a sharp jump in affected waterfowl across the state mostly, north of Interstate 80 since early December, spurred on by the stress of migration and the severe cold.
Applications are being accepted for Seasonal Water Patrol Officer- Law Enforcement Bureau 12/6/2024 2:55:00 PM View Count 1894 The temporary, summer employees of the Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau are positions of high responsibility. Diverse duties include checking for compliance with Iowa's navigation and fishing regulations and helping to ensure a safe recreational environment for the public.
Water Summary Update: Drought conditions improve with above-average rainfall 12/5/2024 3:06:00 PM View Count 1909 After a very dry September and October, above-average rainfall in November improved drought conditions for most of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Water Summary Update: A very dry October concludes with some beneficial rainfall 11/7/2024 11:58:00 AM View Count 3525 After the driest September in 152 years of records, nearly all of October experienced similar record dry conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update
DNR to accept public comment for water quality certification of permit 10/10/2024 1:50:00 PM View Count 4471 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 49.
Water Summary Update: Water Year ends with a surplus despite very dry September 10/3/2024 1:48:00 PM View Count 5129 Iowa’s Water Year, which covers Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, was the first with above-normal precipitation since 2019, and saw the end of the four year drought in Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Iowa Source Water Ag Collaborative Celebrates Source Water Protection Week 9/26/2024 1:42:00 PM View Count 5134 The Iowa Source Water Agricultural Collaborative is excited to join the national effort in recognizing Source Water Protection week, which takes place from September 29th through October 5th.
WQB Public Hearings for Regulatory Analyses to be held on September 24th, 2024 9/13/2024 3:01:00 PM View Count 5109 The Regulatory Analyses for the proposed changes to the Water Quality Bureau (WQB) rules that are being made in accordance with Executive Order 10 (EO10) were published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on September 4, 2024.
Water Summary Update: Decreased rainfall in August sees return of dry conditions 9/5/2024 12:16:00 PM View Count 4581 Consistent above-normal rainfall during the summer months slowed in August, leading to a return of dry conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Public meeting to discuss aquatic plant management opportunities at Clear Lake 9/3/2024 12:11:00 PM View Count 4826 CLEAR LAKE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding a public meeting on September 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Clear Lake City Hall to discuss management options to reduce the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed.
Management planned for Eurasian watermilfoil found at Clear Lake 8/13/2024 2:37:00 PM View Count 4910 CLEAR LAKE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently discovered that Eurasian watermilfoil has spread in Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County. A small area was originally found last fall east of the McIntosh Beach and treated this May. A larger area was found last week near Farmer’s Beach.
Water Summary Update: July rainfall continues positive trend 8/8/2024 4:34:00 PM View Count 4756 After significant localized heavy rainfall and flooding in June, July continued the trend with above-average rainfall, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Late summer underwater aquatic plant control for ponds 8/7/2024 7:23:00 AM View Count 4883 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.
Heavy rains lead to wastewater bypasses in central and southern Iowa 8/1/2024 3:30:00 PM View Count 4832 STATEWIDE -- Following heavy rainfall throughout central and southeast Iowa, the DNR encourages Iowans to stay out of streams until the waters recede. Heavy rain has inundated several areas and led to multiple wastewater discharges.
Final preparations underway for waterfowl hunting season and fish restocking at Martens Lake 7/30/2024 2:17:00 PM View Count 4755 TRIPOLI - A project at Martens Lake in Sweet Marsh Wildlife Area that created boating channels and repaired a portion of the dike network has been completed.
Hawthorn Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan presentation available for public comment 7/18/2024 11:59:00 AM View Count 4080 Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Hawthorn Lake in Mahaska County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.
Learn to Hunt program opens registration for waterfowl course 7/16/2024 12:20:00 PM View Count 3923 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 women who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience.
Water Summary Update: June brings historic rainfall to northwest Iowa 7/11/2024 2:02:00 PM View Count 4129 Some areas of northwest Iowa received more than half a year's worth of rain during the final week of June, leading to significant flooding conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
Wastewater discharge in Mills County reaches Keg Creek 7/9/2024 3:09:00 PM View Count 3373 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater discharge at the City of Glenwood in Mills County.
New watershed plan improves water quality at the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fishery Hatchery 7/9/2024 12:03:00 PM View Count 2908 Trout need clear and cold water to live and thrive. Sediment flowing into Siewers Spring, the water source for the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fishery Hatchery, creates muddy water conditions after larger rainfall events in the Trout Run watershed.
Stay sober and alert on the water this July 4th weekend 6/25/2024 11:36:00 AM View Count 2695 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 2132 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 6308 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 2602 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 2580 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 2995 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 2828 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 2191 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 1718 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 1650 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 2347 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 2831 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 2459 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 3325 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 2694 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 2316 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 3581 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 2341 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 4144 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 5999 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 3496 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 4373 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 4452 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 6877 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 4344 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.