Report: Nitrate levels toxic to Iowa water

New data from the National Library of Medicine show nitrates in Iowa’s waterways reached toxic levels earlier than scientists first thought.

The state is currently in the process of evaluating state water quality standards required by the Clean Water Act. Iowa drinking water is routinely contaminated with nitrates in excess of the federal safety threshold of 10 milligrams per liter.

Jennifer Breon, Iowa organizer for the nonprofit Food and Water Watch, said their new data show nitrates are dangerous to public health in even lower concentrations. She pointed out Iowa is more susceptible to this kind of pollution than anywhere else in the nation.

“We have more factory farms than any other state,” Breon stressed. “We spread more manure, more fertilizer, and more pesticides on cropland than any other state in the country.”

Nitrate pollution is especially critical in northeast Iowa, where levels in the water routinely exceed the federal standard and where there is a large concentration of factory farms.

Breon noted thirteen groups have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency for emergency action to make Iowa’s waterways safer in response to her organization’s research. She added the general public is in favor of tightening standards.

“People in Iowa are angry about it,” Breon asserted. “They want safe drinking water. They want to be able to live in a state where they can feel safe raising children who are drinking the water.”

During its review process, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is also likely to address phosphorous and E. coli contamination in the state’s waterways, both of which contribute to regular beach closures.

Related: We sent Iowans nitrate tests to check their water. Here’s what they found