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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: waterReturn

DNR to host online public meeting regarding Supreme Beef water allocation permit

• 4/14/2022 2:42:00 PM
• View Count 1849

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host an online virtual public meeting via Zoom April 25 to gather public comment on the Supreme Beef, LLC application to renew its water use and allocation permit.

Ongoing wastewater discharge on west side of Creston

• 4/12/2022 4:45:00 PM
• View Count 1093

CRESTON—A collapsed streambank and broken sewer line on Hurley Creek resulted in a wastewater discharge to the creek today.

DNR monitoring for avian influenza in wild birds

• 4/8/2022 9:15:00 AM
• View Count 3455

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and its federal partners are working together to monitor for the presence of avian influenza in Iowa’s wild birds.

Water Summary Update: Drought conditions improve with March rainfall

• 4/7/2022 11:57:00 AM
• View Count 1537

DES MOINES — Precipitation for March averaged 2.67 inches, almost a half inch above normal. This above-normal rainfall helped to improve drought conditions across many areas of the state, especially in the southern and eastern parts of Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

DNR seeking public comment on certification and antidegradation review

• 4/7/2022 11:56:00 AM
• View Count 1329

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is soliciting comments for the Section 401 Water Quality Certification of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Permits 34, 39 and 11-02.

Shoreline stabilization project underway at Silver Lake

• 3/24/2022 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 1982

LAKE PARK, Iowa - Work is underway on a shoreline stabilization project on the northwest section of Silver Lake, in Dickinson County, that is part of a water quality improvement project for the 1,032-acre natural lake. Due to the nature of the project, the contractor has temporarily closed the northwest access road.

Wastewater discharge south of Sioux Center

• 3/16/2022 2:58:00 PM
• View Count 1400

SIOUX CENTER—An unknown amount of wastewater from a packing plant reached a tributary of the West Branch of the Floyd River south of Sioux Center.

Iowa DNR hiring seasonal water quality monitoring staff for summer

• 3/10/2022 2:12:00 PM
• View Count 1607

DES MOINES - The Iowa DNR’s Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section is currently hiring seasonal natural resource aides for the summer.

Water Summary Update: Extremely dry February leads to drought expansion

• 3/10/2022 2:05:00 PM
• View Count 1410

DES MOINES — Last month was the sixth driest February on record for Iowa, and the lack of precipitation resulted in the expansion of drought conditions across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

DNR releases latest draft of 303d impaired waters list

• 2/21/2022 4:11:00 PM
• View Count 2758

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 48 impairments are recommended to be removed from the 2020 303d impairment list, once the removals are approved by the EPA.

Water Summary Update: 2022 starts with a dry and cold January

• 2/10/2022 4:37:00 PM
• View Count 1894

DES MOINES — The new year has started colder and drier than normal, as Iowa ended January with an average of 0.68 inches of moisture, and an average temperature of 14.7 degrees, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Wastewater discharge in city of Storm Lake

• 1/19/2022 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 2022

STORM LAKE—Early this morning, wastewater flowed into the city of Storm Lake’s storm sewers for less than an hour.

Dry year ends on a wet note - 2021 Water Summary Update

• 1/13/2022 2:29:00 PM
• View Count 1208

DES MOINES — Last year was the second dry year in a row for Iowa. Over the previous 24 months parts of central and west central Iowa received a foot less than normal moisture.

Water Summary Update: Despite dry November, drought conditions improve and stabilize

• 12/9/2021 1:17:00 PM
• View Count 1726

DES MOINES — After a very wet October, November was drier than normal, but conditions improved over the month. As the state enters winter, conditions have stabilized, according to the most recent Water Summary Update.  

Lake Restoration Program draft 2021 Report and 2022 Plan available for public comment

• 12/8/2021 8:46:00 AM
• View Count 2895

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Restoration Program is accepting comments on the newly released draft 2021 Lake Restoration Report and 2022 Plan.

PFAS monitoring results expected this week

• 11/23/2021 10:40:00 AM
• View Count 1715

DES MOINES - The first of many test results for per- and polyflyouroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals are expected to start coming in soon. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) include a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used for decades.

Significant October rainfall improves Iowa drought conditions

• 11/4/2021 12:07:00 PM
• View Count 1765

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 2071

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 1998

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 1710

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 1649

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 1430

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 1627

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 1357

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 2020

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 2164

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 1746

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 1773

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 1818

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 1785

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 1483

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 1089

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 1671

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 1868

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 1742

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 3218

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 1935

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 3762

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 3354

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 1930

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 1846

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 2293

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 2351

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 1788

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 2544

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.

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