With funding cut, Iowa volunteers step in to carry on water monitoring
With funding for Iowa’s statewide water-quality monitoring system uncertain, volunteers across the state have stepped up to test local waterways for nitrate and other pollutants. One program volunteers turn to to generate data and raise awareness about water pollution is the Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch program.
This article from the Des Moines Register shares testimonials from Nitrate Watch volunteers and explores how citizen science water monitoring fits into the larger landscape of water quality monitoring in Iowa.
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.