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Two children in life jackets fishing with their mom on a small rock outcropping on a lake.

Water Quality

From drinking water to wastewater, and from wetlands to lakes, ensuring clean water is an important priority for Iowa.

  • Water Monitoring
  • Drinking Water
  • Water Quality Certification Programs
  • Wastewater Construction
  • Wastewater Permitting (NPDES)
  • Private Well Program

Water Quality Starts Here

  • Watershed improvement project, overflow water running over rocks.

    Watershed Improvement

  • Adobe stock photo showing green hose dropped down into a manhole.

    Private Sewage Disposal & Septage

  • USFWS Midwest Region nutrient reduction strategy project photo, showing large river broken up with areas of dense trees.

    Nutrient Reduction Strategy

  • Sandy beach with dense trees around opposite side of a lake in Iowa.

    Beach Monitoring Dashboard

  • Water Supply Engineering image showing tanks, pipes and other monitoring equipment.

    Water Supply Engineering

  • Beautiful blue sky and lake with a fishing dock.

    Water Summary Update

Water Quality Permits & Forms

  • Drinking Water Compliance Forms

  • NPDES General Permits

  • NPDES Permit Application Forms

  • Stormwater Permit Information

  • Wastewater Construction Permits

  • Water Supply Engineering Construction Permits

Water Quality Additional Resources

  • Find an Environmental Field Office

  • Programs & Services

  • Grants & Funding

  • DNR Payment Portal

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Open Records Request

Image
A phone attached to a headset, laying on a desk.
Report a Spill

If in doubt, report it!

Quick reporting of hazardous spills is critical in providing the best emergency response. Call the Iowa DNR and local law enforcement right away.

Call our 24-hour line at 515-725-8694

Additional Spill Guidance

Water Quality News Releases

September 18, 2026

[Oct 1] Environmental Compliance Specialist

Apply for the Iowa DNR Environmental Compliance Specialist position in Atlantic, IA. Help conserve natural resources through inspections and compliance.

Employment
September 18, 2026

Heavy rainfall causes flooding in several communities, residents urged to stay safe and follow cleanup guidelines

Heavy rainfall leads to flooding in several communities, residents urged to stay safe and follow cleanup guidelines.

Safety
September 17, 2026

[Sept 30] Environmental Specialist (Water Supply Permit Writer)

The Water Supply Permit Writer role at the Iowa DNR protects public drinking water and administers SDWA provisions at the Des Moines facility.

Employment
September 17, 2026

Celebrate SepticSmart Week by identifying harmful products before they go down the drain and performing routine maintenance on your septic system

Fall is a great time for Iowans to take a few simple steps to safeguard their wallets, property, and Iowa’s waterways with a quick septic system.

Water Quality

Department of Natural Resources

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Iowa DNR Customer Service

6200 Park Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

Phone

515-725-8200

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