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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: waterReturn

Water Summary Update: Normal November rainfall, drought conditions remain

• 12/9/2022 1:34:00 PM
• View Count 5876

DES MOINES — The month of November ended with much of northwestern Iowa receiving below normal precipitation and southeastern Iowa observing above average totals.

Lake Restoration Program draft 2022 Report and 2023 Plan available for public comment

• 12/7/2022 1:10:00 PM
• View Count 6738

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Restoration Program is accepting comments on the newly released draft 2022 Lake Restoration Report and 2023 Plan, through December 21.

Black Hawk Lake restoration efforts receive national recognition

• 12/6/2022 8:56:00 PM
• View Count 5447

DES MOINES – Project partners behind a major restoration effort to improve water quality in Black Hawk Lake, located in Sac County, received national recognition for their achievements.

Watershed improvement efforts help brook trout thrive in northeastern streams

• 12/1/2022 3:24:00 PM
• View Count 5701

Years of work to protect and enhance the South Pine Creek watershed in Winneshiek County have allowed Iowa’s only native trout to be protected, thrive and continue to naturally reproduce in that stream.

Four states partner in Operation Early Birds waterfowl hunting enforcement project

• 11/22/2022 11:36:00 AM
• View Count 4735

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined its fellow agencies in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska on a joint project to check waterfowl regulations compliance over a 36-hour period from the evening on Nov. 4 to the morning on Nov. 6.

Water Summary Update: October 2022 was 15th driest on record

• 11/10/2022 2:24:00 PM
• View Count 4451

DES MOINES — The month of October ended as the 15th driest on record, with a deficit of 1.80 inches of rainfall.  This marks the seventh month in a row of below-normal rainfall for the state.

DNR hires new storm water program coordinator

• 11/10/2022 2:18:00 PM
• View Count 3688

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a new storm water program coordinator.

Federal Clean Water Act celebrates 50 year anniversary

• 10/13/2022 1:53:00 PM
• View Count 4502

The Clean Water Act, created and passed in response to a nationwide movement advocating for the improvement and restoration of the country’s waters, is celebrating 50 years October 18, 2022.

Iowa DNR hiring seasonal water patrol officers

• 10/11/2022 12:09:00 PM
• View Count 7796

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking applicants to fill the position of seasonal water patrol officer at several lakes and rivers across the state.

Public comment period for intent to withdraw Cedar River watershed nitrate TMDL

• 10/6/2022 3:00:00 PM
• View Count 3166

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on the DNR’s intent to withdraw the Cedar River watershed nitrate total maximum daily load (TMDL). 

Water Summary Update: Water Year ends on a downward trend

• 10/6/2022 2:53:00 PM
• View Count 2879

DES MOINES - After yet another month of below normal precipitation across the state, the water year ended with deteriorating conditions across Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Duck hunters encouraged to use safe boating practices while on the water

• 9/30/2022 2:39:00 PM
• View Count 3370

Duck hunters who hunt from a boat are encouraged to include boating safety as part of their hunting plan. Waterfowl hunters use boats on some of the coldest days of the year.

Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

• 9/30/2022 2:31:00 PM
• View Count 3550

Waterfowlers have waited all year for this: for the next three weekends in Iowa, there will be an opening day for duck and goose hunting. The north zone opens on Oct. 1, the central zone opens on Oct. 8 and the south zone opens on Oct. 15. Each zone is open seven days, then close for seven days, before re-opening.

It's NOT a Rattlesnake!

• 9/23/2022 4:56:00 PM
• View Count 25766

Rattlesnakes can be scary. They have fangs and venom and can potentially kill or maim you if startled or threatened. Rattlesnakes are very uncommon in Iowa with the Timber Rattlesnake being the most widespread species.

Aggressive treatment planned for Eurasian watermilfoil found in the Iowa Great Lakes

• 9/13/2022 12:22:00 PM
• View Count 4374

SPIRIT LAKE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will start treating East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lake Minnewashta, and Lower Gar this week with the approved aquatic herbicide, Sonar A.S. to eliminate Eurasian watermoilfoil.

Water Summary Update: Drought expands in Iowa after another dry month

• 9/8/2022 1:52:00 PM
• View Count 2815

DES MOINES — Iowa’s August precipitation was 3.53 inches, or 0.6 inches below normal for the month, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

New recipients announced in Iowa DNR’s County Creek Sign Grant Program

• 9/1/2022 11:11:00 AM
• View Count 3362

DES MOINES—New signs that help bring awareness to Iowa’s creeks and watersheds will soon be installed in 33 counties, thanks to the Iowa DNR’s new County Creek Sign Grant.

Wastewater released near Carter Lake

• 9/1/2022 11:10:00 AM
• View Count 3257

CARTER LAKE, IOWA – Authorities advise that people and pets should avoid a stormwater retention pond area between Shoreline Golf Course and Lakeside Estates Trailer Home Park in Carter Lake due to a sewage spill.

Water level to be lowered this fall at Virgin Lake to help eliminate carp

• 8/29/2022 9:34:00 AM
• View Count 3080

Virgin Lake, near Ruthven in Palo Alto county, will undergo a water level management project to improve its water quality and provide quality habitat for fish and wildlife.

Governor Reynolds recognizes Iowa’s drinking water and wastewater treatment professionals

• 8/25/2022 4:05:00 PM
• View Count 3584

DES MOINES - Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 21-27 as Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Professionals of Iowa Week. 

Refuge portion of the Hawkeye Wildlife Area changes designation to waterfowl refuge, restricting access until after duck season

• 8/15/2022 2:03:00 PM
• View Count 3726

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has changed the designation for the existing refuge on the southeast section of the Hawkeye Wildlife Area, in Johnson County, from a “Wildlife Refuge” to a “Waterfowl Refuge.”

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for waterfowl course

• 8/9/2022 2:26:00 PM
• View Count 4217

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to adults who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience.

Iowa DNR will treat Iowa Great Lakes for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil

• 8/9/2022 2:18:00 PM
• View Count 4251

SPIRIT LAKE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil is growing at multiple locations in East Okoboji Lake, Upper Gar Lake, Lake Minnewashta, and Lower Gar Lake in Dickinson County.

Water Summary Update: Drought expands in Iowa after another dry month

• 8/4/2022 4:42:00 PM
• View Count 3739

Des Moines - Iowa’s July precipitation was 3.39 inches, or 0.78 inches below normal for the month, according to the latest Water Summary Update. Some locations in southern Iowa had July rainfall of four inches less than normal.

Late summer underwater aquatic plant control for ponds

• 8/2/2022 12:15:00 PM
• View Count 3557

A healthy pond needs aquatic plants, but too many can upset a fishing pond’s balance and become a nuisance. Many pond owners struggle with how to control the amount of aquatic plants, without completely removing all of them, so they can enjoy their pond.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for youth waterfowl workshop

• 8/2/2022 12:11:00 PM
• View Count 3267

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook waterfowl to youth who have little to no waterfowl hunting experience on Aug. 27, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City.

Management planned for Eurasian watermilfoil found at Lost Island Lake

• 8/2/2022 12:09:00 PM
• View Count 3525

RUTHVEN – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil is growing at four sites along the west and southwest side of Lost Island Lake, located three miles north of Ruthven in Palo Alto County.

DNR to accept public comment for water quality certification of permit

• 7/14/2022 11:37:00 AM
• View Count 4136

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is accepting public and stakeholder comments regarding the Section 401 Water Quality Certification of the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Regional Permit 48.

Water Summary Update: Iowa sees below normal rainfall for third month in a row

• 7/7/2022 11:28:00 AM
• View Count 4042

DES MOINES — Iowa’s June precipitation was 3.75 inches, 1.51 inches below normal for the month, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Stay safe paddling this 4th of July holiday weekend

• 6/28/2022 3:13:00 PM
• View Count 3130

Iowa lakes and rivers will be busy with paddlers this long holiday weekend.

Operation Dry Water starts July 2

• 6/21/2022 12:51:00 PM
• View Count 4961

DES MOINES - A group of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies will partner to focus enforcement of Iowa’s boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence.

Wastewater overflow in Carroll

• 6/20/2022 4:03:00 PM
• View Count 2747

CARROLL—Untreated wastewater overflowed from a manhole near St. Anthony Regional Hospital on the southeast side of Carroll Monday morning.

Water Summary Update: Some improvement in drought conditions despite below normal May rainfall

• 6/9/2022 2:15:00 PM
• View Count 2005

DES MOINES - Iowa’s precipitation in May was 3.46 inches, 1.38 inches below normal for the month, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Treated, but not disinfected, wastewater being released in Eldora

• 6/1/2022 6:44:00 AM
• View Count 1980

ELDORA—A leak in a pipeline leaving the Eldora wastewater treatment plant caused treated wastewater to flow into the Iowa River recently.

Boaters in Western Iowa urged to use caution due to low water conditions

• 5/24/2022 3:27:00 PM
• View Count 1841

Water levels in oxbow lakes adjacent to the Missouri River are lower than normal going into the summer due to consecutive years of abnormally dry conditions in western Iowa and historic low flows in the Missouri River this past winter. Access to these lakes may be compromised.

Online information available for Lake Anita Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 5/19/2022 11:05:00 AM
• View Count 1384

ANITA – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Lake Anita in Cass County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Iowa DNR County Creek Sign Grant Program announced

• 5/12/2022 11:30:00 AM
• View Count 2065

DES MOINES—Conservation and natural resource groups interested in building awareness of Iowa’s creeks and watersheds can now apply for grants to put up signage. 

Popular central Iowa paddling destination closed

• 5/10/2022 1:52:00 PM
• View Count 2426

This week’s warm weather is perfect for paddlers to get out on rivers. Water recreationists should be aware of bridge construction projects across Iowa.

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27: Three tips to make boating safer this season

• 5/10/2022 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 1413

The nation’s largest recreational boating safety event of the year, National Safe Boating Week, is May 21–27, serves as a reminder to boaters to keep safety front and center all season long. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers three tips for boaters to be safety heroes on the water.

Water Summary Update: Near-average April rains help drought conditions improve

• 5/5/2022 2:57:00 PM
• View Count 1366

DES MOINES — Precipitation for April averaged 3.20 inches, about a half inch below normal. The near-normal rainfall helped to continue improvement of drought conditions in Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

Join DNR watershed project groups for Earth Day

• 4/21/2022 1:58:00 PM
• View Count 1105

DES MOINES - Earth Day provides many ways to enjoy our natural resources or simply to help. 

DNR to host online public meeting regarding Supreme Beef water allocation permit

• 4/14/2022 2:42:00 PM
• View Count 1739

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host an online virtual public meeting via Zoom April 25 to gather public comment on the Supreme Beef, LLC application to renew its water use and allocation permit.

Ongoing wastewater discharge on west side of Creston

• 4/12/2022 4:45:00 PM
• View Count 1033

CRESTON—A collapsed streambank and broken sewer line on Hurley Creek resulted in a wastewater discharge to the creek today.

DNR monitoring for avian influenza in wild birds

• 4/8/2022 9:15:00 AM
• View Count 3312

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and its federal partners are working together to monitor for the presence of avian influenza in Iowa’s wild birds.

Water Summary Update: Drought conditions improve with March rainfall

• 4/7/2022 11:57:00 AM
• View Count 1480

DES MOINES — Precipitation for March averaged 2.67 inches, almost a half inch above normal. This above-normal rainfall helped to improve drought conditions across many areas of the state, especially in the southern and eastern parts of Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

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