Iowa Water Quality Study Shows Pollutants Nearly Doubled in 50 Years

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A group of scientists is advocating for more Iowa counties to conduct their own water studies after research showed pollutants in major rivers have increased by nearly 100 percent over the last 50 years.

Sixteen scientists compiled 50 years of data on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, two of the largest sources of drinking water for Des Moines and Polk County. The study found that pollutants have increased by nearly 100 percent in the last 50 years, and researchers say not enough is being done to address the issue.

The findings were presented to hundreds of people who attended a discussion on the recent water study conducted in Polk County. The research focused on decades of data from the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers and found increased nitrates in the water supply.

Dr. Larry Weber from the University of Iowa Center for Hydrologic Development said residents felt the impact of increased pollution this summer.