Enact Nitrate Monitoring and Agricultural Run-off Regulations in Iowa

I write as a constituent deeply concerned about the health of Iowa’s waterways and drinking-water systems. This summer has brought troubling evidence that the status quo is no longer sufficient: • A recent study of the Des Moines River and Raccoon River—the main sources of drinking water for the Des Moines metro area—found that nitrate levels climbed above 20 mg/L, more than double the federal maximum of 10 mg/L, after being just 1–3 mg/L fifty years ago. • A report commissioned by Polk County Board of Supervisors concluded that “about 80% of the nitrates in the Des Moines River system are linked to agricultural sources (fertilizer use and livestock manure).” • In June 2025 the agency Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) implemented the region’s first-ever mandatory lawn-watering ban because the nitrate levels in the water supply were putting intensive treatment systems under extreme strain. • Agriculture pollutant tracking shows Iowa’s waters are overloaded: nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from farms is tightly correlated with rising levels of contamination, including nitrates known to be linked to health risks such as “blue baby” syndrome, thyroid disease and increased cancer risk. These data show that Iowa is experiencing an acute water-quality crisis right now, not just a looming one. We cannot continue with voluntary guidelines or patchwork monitoring. I ask you to support and introduce legislation that includes: 1. Comprehensive, statewide nitrate and nutrient monitoring (groundwater, surface water, drinking-water sources) with transparent public data. 2. Science-based agricultural runoff standards, informed by Iowa’s own university research and soils/agriscience experts, that set enforceable limits for nitrogen and phosphorous loss from farms. 3. Dedicated funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt proven practices (cover crops, buffer strips, reduced fertilizer rates, livestock runoff controls) rather than subsidizing pollution. 4. Independent review and update of Iowa’s water-quality standards to ensure they protect human health (including infants and vulnerable populations) and align with the latest federal science. The current threshold (10 mg/L for nitrates) is not enough given what we now see this summer. I believe in Iowa’s capacity to feed the nation and protect its environment. Our water resources deserve the same respect. I ask that you make clean, safe water a legislative priority for this session. I will track your progress and hold you to the science. Thank you for representing our community and our future.