Problem assessment and research monitoring to determine the causes of specific impairments in a water body or aquifer. Iowa's current monitoring efforts include some aspects of each of these types of monitoring. However, even with the addition of some project-specific monitoring, the data is so spotty that we have little idea of the overall quality of our water and whether it is improving or getting worse. The groundwater sections include increased research and long-term monitoring for trend analysis in the six major aquifers. Iowa's citizens and policy-makers are increasingly aware of the need to better monitor our water resources.
Good water is one of Iowa's most precious and fragile resources.
Iowans enjoy and depend on clean water for their lives and livelihoods - and they expect good protections. We are long overdue for a well-planned monitoring program. I want to know those kids swimming in the Des Moines River are safe and healthy - like all Iowa kids ought to be. The Council seeks a sustainable future through shaping public policy, research and education, coalition-building, and advocacy.