Water Sampling

Water quality monitoring began in 1999 in an effort to identify potential contaminants in the Upper Iowa River Watershed. Thirteen event samples were taken between 1999 and 2002 at 39 sites across the watershed. More recently, monthly, non-event sampling began in April 2004, and continues through 2007 . All samples are drawn by Upper Iowa River Watershed Alliance professionals and are sent to the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory for analysis. Testing has been conducted for Temperature, pH, Membrane Fecal Coliform, E. coli, Total Phosphorus, Atrazine, Ammonia, and Nitrate+Nitrite N. In addition, Iowa DNR Fisheries in Decorah have analyzed select samples for turbidity.

For a summary of State of Iowa surface water recommended limits click here.