Who is responsible for maintaining and evaluating water quality in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for water quality management in the state. Through mandates of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and through regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Iowa DNR conducts the following water quality management activities: (1) water quality standards program, (2) point source control program, and (3) nonpoint source control program. The Iowa DNR manages water quality through implementation of water quality standards which are designed to protect and enhance the quality of all waters of the state through prevention and abatement of all point source and nonpoint source pollution to all waters to the fullest extent possible consistent with statutory and technological limitations. The Iowa DNR is the agency responsible for preparation of the Iowa water quality inventory and status report as required by Section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act.
