Water is a valuable resource that is shared by everyone and often taken for granted.
Iowans use nearly three billion gallons of water daily for drinking, farming, power, recreation, bathing, cooking, industry, and many other uses. The quality of these waters determines their usefulness. If these waters are used for drinking or swimming, the quality relates to public health. The EM staff analyze more than 40,000 samples per year for microbial contaminants. EM staff are available to provide interpretation of test results and guidance to help troubleshoot many water quality problems.