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…
‘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…
‘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…
‘Citizen scientists take to Iowa’s waters to monitor nitrate levels’
This reporting from the Iowa Capital Dispatch follows Nitrate Watch volunteer, Richard Gradoville, as he monitors nitrate levels in the Des Moines river and explains his connection to water quality…
The Spring Flush: Why are nitrate concentrations higher in the spring?
April showers bring… polluted runoff? Unfortunately, this is the case in many parts of the United States. The results can be dangerous. Waterways often see peak nitrate concentrations in the…
70 Years of Conservation
Mike Delaney, an Iowan and an Izaak Walton League member, is passionate about combatting nitrate pollution in his local waterways. He has been monitoring and advocating for change for over…
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.