‘Seize the means of water testing!’
Little Village Magazine, an independent news & culture magazine published in Iowa City, Iowa, profiled the Nitrate Watch program in their November 4, 2025 issue. The article highlights how Nitrate…
‘In the wake of a near-total fish kill, southwest Iowans wade into water testing’
In March 2024, a valve malfunction at a NEW Cooperative facility spilled roughly 1,500 tons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer into the East Nishnabotna River near Red Oak, Iowa, causing one of the state’s…
265,000 Gallons of Fertilizer Grows New Grassroots Organization: The Nishnabotna Water Defenders
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…
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.