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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: waterReturn

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

• 10/29/2020 1:26:00 PM
• View Count 2624

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 1746

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 2594

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 2597

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 1929

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 2214

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 1656

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 5821

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 2165

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 2073

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 1828

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 2336

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 1807

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 4025

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 2367

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 3465

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 5258

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 8637

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 2147

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 2924

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 3049

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 2310

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 1726

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 2686

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 2077

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 2435

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 2322

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 2418

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 3374

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 cooler, drier than normal

• 5/14/2020 1:24:00 PM
• View Count 2081

DES MOINES — With average rainfall about 2 inches below normal and temperatures about 2 degrees below normal, April was cooler and drier than usual, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Meetings to discuss statewide lake bacteria water quality improvement plan available online

• 4/30/2020 2:09:00 PM
• View Count 2067

DES MOINES – Meetings originally scheduled to discuss results of a DNR study to improve water quality in lake environments for bacteria will move to an online-only presentation due to COVID-19 precautions.

Iowa Environmental Laboratories: keeping Iowans safe during COVID-19

• 4/30/2020 2:08:00 PM
• View Count 2368

DES MOINES — Iowa has 40 municipal and commercial laboratories that test and analyze drinking water samples. Lab results tell regulators if our water is safe to drink.

6 tips for soaking up more stormwater in your yard

• 4/20/2020 1:44:00 PM
• View Count 7722

Not that long ago, Iowa consisted of nearly 80 percent prairie with plants and soil that could easily soak up stormwater with little to no runoff after heavy rains. Today, with drastic changes in land use, things have changed. With so many impervious surfaces (surfaces that shed water, such as roofs and concrete), runoff is forced quickly down storm drains and straight into local water bodies. Here are some ways to soak up more water in your yard to help prevent erosion and flooding in your lawn and home, as well a...

Wastewater discharge stopped in Washington County

• 4/15/2020 1:06:00 PM
• View Count 2253

AINSWORTH—The city of Ainsworth in Washington County reported a wastewater discharge to DNR shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Water Summary Update: March sees above-average precipitation in Iowa

• 4/9/2020 1:34:00 PM
• View Count 2577

DES MOINES — Almost all stations across Iowa reported above average precipitation in March, with some locations reporting 2 to 2.5 inches above normal rainfall, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Stay safe and “distance” to start this paddling season

• 4/7/2020 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 3685

With recent warm temperatures, restless paddlers are ready to put canoes and kayaks in the water. Early spring paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing wildlife, but extra precautions are needed to stay safe.

Upcoming Trainings: The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater

• 3/30/2020 10:29:00 AM
• View Count 2183

Mark your calendars and register to attend one of the upcoming sessions of "The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater."  This workshop was offered in 2018 and 2019 and has been scheduled again to meet demand for the information and training.

Public drinking water safe to drink; Know what to and what NOT to flush down your toilet

• 3/20/2020 4:28:00 PM
• View Count 12076

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to public drinking water to provide clarity to the public.

Water Summary Update: Drier February improves stream levels across Iowa

• 3/5/2020 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 2123

DES MOINES — With a drier February, stream levels have improved across much of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Meetings to discuss statewide lake bacteria water quality improvement plan

• 3/5/2020 2:14:00 PM
• View Count 2119

DES MOINES – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in lake environments for bacteria can attend one of three meetings across the state Mar. 18, Mar. 24, and Apr. 1. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lakes to the meeting for discussion.

Industrial wastewater discharge in Storm Lake

• 2/19/2020 3:48:00 PM
• View Count 2444

STORM LAKE—An equipment failure at Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., in Storm Lake caused a discharge of untreated wastewater into the city’s storm sewers early Wednesday morning.

3 ducks you may not know live in Iowa

• 2/11/2020 10:15:00 AM
• View Count 9475

Some ducks in Iowa aren’t as common as mallards, wood ducks or blue-winged teals. Check out these duck species you might not know live here:

Proposed waterfowl rules available for public comment

• 2/9/2020 2:48:00 PM
• View Count 3151

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting comments on proposed waterfowl and coot hunting seasons and bag limits, which includes 2021-22 season dates, and the proposed restructuring of the hunting zones and seasons for 2021-2025.

Water Summary Update: January warmer with more rain and snow than usual

• 2/6/2020 12:06:00 PM
• View Count 2374

DES MOINES — Both statewide precipitation and temperatures were above average in January, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

DNR grant opportunity available to develop a statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program

• 1/23/2020 12:11:00 PM
• View Count 2643

DES MOINES - The DNR’s Watershed Improvement Section is accepting applications for a grant to help develop a Statewide Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program.

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