Why we fight to protect America’s public lands and what’s at stake
By Michael Reinemer, Editor, Outdoor America: The envy of the world. Our scenic, iconic public lands have attracted and inspired generations of Americans and visitors from abroad as well. The…
From Greens to Streams: Can less fertilizer become par for the course?
An unnamed tributary of Indian Creek, which feeds into Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake, has been monitored by Virginia Save Our Streams (VA SOS) volunteers Jean and Lee Borgman for over…
Urgent Call for Action at the National Convention
In Green Bay, the Izaak Walton League kicked off its national convention July 18-19 with an urgent appeal for action in the face of mounting challenges to conservation in the United…
Meet a Monitor: Catherine Pierce & Erica Lyon
Catherine Pierce and Erica Lyon conduct Virginia Save Our Streams (VA SOS), Salt Watch, and Nitrate Watch monitoring in the Henrico County, VA area and are members of the Riverine…
‘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…

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.