Help protect Iowa's drinking water during Source Water Protection Week
DES MOINES – The Iowa Source Water Protection Program and the Iowa Source Water Agricultural Collaborative are partnering to recognize Source Water Protection Week (September 27 – October 3) by raising awareness about the importance of protecting Iowa's drinking water. This year, the collaborative is highlighting the conservation funding opportunities presented by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Source Water Protection priority watersheds, as well as the ongoing resources available to private well owners through the Private Well Grants Program.
Safe drinking water is essential for healthy families and strong communities. The NRCS helps landowners and agricultural producers protect drinking water sources by providing financial and technical assistance for voluntary conservation practices. By identifying Source Water Protection priority areas and offering increased incentives for water quality practices, the NRCS empowers producers to implement agricultural systems that reduce nutrient runoff, promote soil health, and safeguard both surface and groundwater public drinking water systems. Agricultural producers can find more information about NRCS Source Water Protection priority watersheds and conservation funding opportunities at the following link.
Additionally, while public water systems are regularly tested and regulated, thousands of Iowans rely on private wells as their main source of drinking water. Unlike public systems, these wells are not subject to routine monitoring, which means the responsibility for ensuring water quality falls directly on the well owner. Without regular testing and proper maintenance wells can be vulnerable to contamination, potentially putting households at risk.
Private well owners who want to learn more about the Private Well Grants Program can learn more at the following link or contact their county sanitarian
Protecting Iowa's drinking water sources requires both statewide efforts and individual action. When producers utilize NRCS priority watershed funding and private well owners take proactive steps to test, maintain, or properly close wells, they are contributing to a healthier environment and stronger water security for their communities and the state as a whole.
Additional information about source water protection in Iowa and the Iowa Source Water Ag Collaborative can be found at iowadnr.gov/sourcewaterprotection
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