Great water quality begins on your land. To improve water in a stream or lake, we first need to improve how water moves over the land and into the stream or lake. How you manage your land - agricultural or urban - makes an impact on our water.

While individuals make the difference, Iowans can make a stronger impact as part of an organized community watershed effort. The DNR and other organizations are here to help you by providing assistance in a number of areas, from learning how to control pollution on your farm or in your home, to creating a watershed group.

Organizing a local watershed effort:

• Starting an effort: an overview
• Taking the first step: Local efforts
• Request an introductory watershed improvement folder
• Community watershed improvement framework for lakes
• Watershed Planning Grants
• List of funding sources

For landowners:

• List of funding sources
• Learn more about conservation practices (from Iowa NRCS)
• DNR Private Lands Biologists
• DNR Forestry Landowner Assistance

For all Iowans:

• Learn about water quality problems and solutions
• Volunteer water monitoring with IOWATER
• Water Quality Improvement Plans (TMDLs)
• What you can do in your home (from U.S. EPA)
• Backyard and urban conservation (from Iowa NRCS)