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265,000 Gallons of Fertilizer Grows New Grassroots Organization: The Nishnabotna Water Defenders

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image of dead fish in the Nishnabotna River following fish kill

What do you do when a fertilizer spill ravages your local stream, killing hundreds of thousands of fish across two states? For a group of clean water advocates in Southwest…

‘New program lets Iowans test local water quality amid rising nitrate concerns’

A news story from Iowa’s News Now in Cedar Rapids explains how the Izaak Walton League is making it possible for volunteers to test water bodies for nitrate and other…

‘Nitrate Watch coordinator explains how Iowans can take ownership over their water quality’

Water quality is a major environmental concern in Iowa, and Heather Wilson, Midwest Save Our Streams coordinator for the Izaak Walton League, is helping residents take action through the Nitrate…

Iowans Crowdfund to Save State’s Water Monitoring Network

Iowa’s rivers, lakes, and farmland are the foundation of the state’s economy, environment, and way of life—but the program that monitors their health is now at risk. The University of…

‘Nishnabotna water group urges community nitrate testing with new billboard’

The Nishnabotna Water Defenders, a water quality advocacy group in southwest Iowa, has erected a billboard near Avoca encouraging Iowans to “know what you drink” to prompt local residents to…

‘Wings2Water recognizes Nitrate Watch initiative for public water testing effort’

Wings2Water has honored the Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch Program with a “Water Warrior” recognition for its public engagement in testing nitrate levels in drinking water and waterways. Learn more…

‘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…

‘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…

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