Iowa's streams, lakes and rivers need improvement. But where do we start? Water quality improvement plans investigate streams and lakes on Iowa's impaired waters list. The ultimate goal is to improve water quality and remove streams and lakes from the impaired list. The plans, developed by the DNR, use research results and the public's input to help reduce the amount of pollutants reaching our water.

• Identify the water quality problem in a stream or lake
• Locate where the problem is coming from
• Determine how, with improvement, the stream or lake can meet Iowa's water quality standards
• Suggest ways that communities and businesses can improve their stream or lake

The DNR does the background research, writes the plan and can provide some technical and funding assistance. However, because the majority of Iowa improvement plans deal with nonpoint source pollution problems, it is ultimately up to the watershed residents and businesses to use the plan and voluntarily take action to clean up their stream or lake.

• Learn more about organizing a watershed project

To learn more on how you can become involved in improving Iowa's water, explore our draft plans, upcoming public meetings, and the schedule of future improvement plans.

• Learn more about how a water quality improvement plan works

Public meetings and comments Fact sheets, draft plans and final plans Plan development schedule

DNR Contact
Jeff Berckes
Water Quality Improvement Plan (TMDL) Program Coordinator
(515) 281-4791
Jeff.Berckes@dnr.iowa.gov