‘Ag fertilizer runoff likely will force more drinking water restrictions’
The nitrate pollution at the root of Central Iowa’s lawn watering ban is not unique to Central Iowa. The issue – and its sources – are incredibly widespread. In this…
Meet A Monitor: Jo Ann Sadler
Jo Ann Sadler is a Nitrate Watch volunteer from rural northwest Iowa. Like many residents of rural Iowa, Jo Ann’s surroundings are dominated by agricultural fields and she doesn’t live…
Tackling water pollution, amping up advocacy top the agenda for League’s national convention
Taking action to protect our air, water and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy has taken on new urgency across the U.S. “The nitrate water pollution crisis, the rollback of…
‘Atlantic couple teaches neighbors to test waterways’
Denise and Larry O’Brien, organic farmers and founding members of the Nishnabotna Water Defenders, are teaching their neighbors in Atlantic, Iowa to monitor pollution in waterways with Nitrate Watch. Learn…
A “Salty Intervention”
In February 2025, a Salt Watch volunteer visiting a gas station in Leesburg, Virginia stumbled upon a massive oversalting event. Having seen the consequences of such oversalting on waterways firsthand…
Now it’s our turn to fight for these lands
By Jared Mott, Conservation Director, Izaak Walton League — The trigger broke just before I expected it, exactly how you want it to. A hundred and sixty-eight yards in front…
Meet a Monitor: Aisha and Sasha
Sasha and Aisha, sixth-grade students in the Roberto Clemente Math, Science and Computer Science magnet program, conducted an investigation into how proximity to roadways influences water pollution in local lakes.…
‘Iowans across the state asked to conserve water due to dry wells, high nitrate levels’
Residents in Central Iowa have been placed under a first-of-its-kind lawn watering ban in response to stress on the water utilities from nitrate pollution in water sources. Data and insight…
Volunteers detect nitrate on the rise in waters nationwide
Nitrate Watch volunteers have been busy in 2025 and their data is starting to paint a picture. What does the data show us? Nitrate concentrations are steadily climbing in surface…
Your kit will include a bottle containing 25 nitrate test strips which you can use to test your water source(s) throughout the year. You’ll also receive postcards explaining how to use your nitrate test strips and how to share your Nitrate Watch results on the Clean Water Hub.
Your kit will include four test strips so you can test your waterway throughout the season. You’ll also receive a chart to help you interpret your results and a postcard with instructions for completing a Salt Watch test and reporting your findings.