Experts Review the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment at Drake University

This week, The Harkin Institute and Polk County hosted the first public presentation to share the findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report titled Currents of Change. The CISWRA report, published last month, is a groundbreaking scientific study authored by 16 water quality experts to identify and address key concerns for the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.

The experts confirm that central Iowa’s waterways are significantly impacted by agricultural pollution, particularly nutrient runoff, which poses serious risks to public health. Several of those experts spoke at the presentation, providing an inside look at their methods and conclusions. They shared concerning data around river flow, water quality, the ecological health of the watersheds, and recreation, including safety risks at Iowa beaches due to bacteria and toxins.

More than 600 people attended the in-person event, with hundreds more viewing online. Over 2,000 people have viewed the recording of the event in just the past four days. You can read the entire report or view the executive summary to learn more.

The Pacific Legal Foundation and its plaintiff who lost its case in a federal district court in Iowa did not appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to continue their misguided attempt to eliminate voluntary wetlands protections that are part of the longstanding “Swampbuster” provisions of the U.S. Farm Bill. The plaintiff had a July 28 deadline to file an appeal. 

On May 29, 2025, federal judge C.J. Williams of the Northern District of Iowa ruled in favor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the environment, and family farmers in a lawsuit, CTM Holdings, LLC v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, which sought to gut established clean water and wetlands protections.  

“Swampbuster has been a foundational law supporting conservation that works well for farmers and the public," says IEC General Counsel Michael Schmidt, "Wetlands have immense value for improving water quality, reducing floods, and maintaining biodiversity. We'll continue to defend and protect wetlands here in Iowa and across the U.S." 

Read the entire press release on our website.

Virtual Cancer Listening Session Next Week

Iowa has the second-highest cancer rates in the nation, and it is among only two states where cancer rates are increasing, not decreasing. An estimated 21,200 new invasive cancers will be diagnosed among Iowans in 2025, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry’s annual “Cancer in Iowa” report.

Due to these concerning trends, the Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Farmers Union, and The Harkin Institute launched an initiative that explores the relationship between environmental risk factors and cancer rates in Iowa. One key focus of this campaign is to hear from Iowans directly, which prompted our team to conduct listening sessions throughout the state. Next week, our listening sessions conclude with stops in Waterloo, Meskwaki Nation, and a free, virtual session open to all Iowans.

We want to hear from you: Iowans who wish to learn more about cancer in our state, and Iowans who have been impacted by cancer. If you haven’t been able to attend an in-person session, sign up for the virtual listening session on Thursday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about statewide cancer data and make your voice heard.

Water Events from IEC and Our Partners

• August 12: Waterloo, Black Hawk County Cancer in Iowa Listening Session
• August 13: Meskwaki Nation/Tama Cancer in Iowa Listening Session
• August 14: Virtual Cancer in Iowa Listening Session
• August 16: Owls, Oxbows, and Oaks: Water Quality, Wildlife, and Habitat Restoration on a Central Iowa Farm
• August 26: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality
• September 9-10: Iowa Water Conference
• September 11: Integrating Wildlife and Agriculture: Creating Sustainable Habitat on Working Farms
• September 16: IEC Annual Conference - Pathways to Action

Ottumwa Coal Permit Hearing
On September 3, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on the Interstate Power and Light (IPL) - Ottumwa Generating Station. Concerned about coal pollution in your air and water? Join the call on Google Meet; the link is available in the hearing announcement.

IEC Annual Conference
Join us on September 16 at the Olmsted Center at Drake University in Des Moines where you'll have the opportunity to learn about key environmental issues, develop deeper relationships within the community, and build momentum for action and change in Iowa. Learn more and register on our website.

Hear from IEC's Water Program Director

Hello, Weekly Water Watch readers!

The overwhelming interest in the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) makes one thing clear: Iowans care deeply about clean water. The release of this report, and The Harkin Institute’s leadership in hosting a public discussion, has sparked meaningful engagement and a renewed call for action. The first step toward real progress is acknowledging the truth — Iowa’s water quality crisis is harming our health, our environment, and our economy. The next is using this science to drive bold, practical solutions. Tackling this issue will require cooperation across urban and rural communities, from individuals and industries alike. Clean water isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Be sure to check out the Canary in a Cornfield podcast for some other takeaways from the CISWRA report.

Have a wonderful weekend!
- Colleen Fowle, IEC Water Program Director