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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

October 23, 2026

[Dec 21] Seasonal Water Patrol Officer

Apply as a seasonal Water Patrol Officer with the Iowa DNR. Ensure public safety, check navigation and fishing compliance, and respond to emergencies.

Boating
Employment
October 22, 2026

Delay application to preserve nutrients and save money

Managing proper nutrient application timing is critical for both yield potential and environmental stewardship.

Animal Feeding Operations
October 22, 2026

Tips for successful fall manure application

Tips for successful fall manure application.

Animal Feeding Operations
October 22, 2026

Get certified before you apply: Complete your annual manure certification today

Before you start land applying, ensure your manure applicator certification is current.

Animal Feeding Operations

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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