Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/tag/water/)
The latest findings from a study of drinking water wells and their surroundings finds manure from cows that is stored or spread on farm fields poses the highest risk for certain contaminants.
Many Iowans may not know what is in their water because their wells’ water quality is unregulated. Moreover, many well owners IowaWatch spoke with during an investigation this past year in counties across southwest Iowa said they largely were unconcerned about their wells, even though tests revealed high levels of nitrates and bacteria in some of their wells.
A federal appeals court ordered a nationwide block last week on a controversial water rule designed to clarify what water bodies the U.S. government can lawfully regulate.
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Waters of the U.S. rule on Wednesday. The agriculture industry and farmers have opposed the rule, calling it a Washington power grab. Although finalized, the rule still faces lawsuit threats and legislative obstacles.
The public comment period for a proposed rule defining "Waters of the U.S." is set to close on Nov. 14, more than half a year sine the rule was first introduced. During that time, thousands of national lawmakers, state authorities and agriculture officials have criticized the rule.
In March, the EPA issued a proposed rule to define what is considered a water body under its jurisdiction. Since then, farmers throughout the Midwest have expressed concern over the rule. Some have even claimed it could drastically change the way farmers run their businesses.
Two new studies of private well water in Kewaunee County, Wis., have linked contamination to fertilizer, livestock manure and human waste — laying bare a situation that county conservationist Andy Wallander, after 25 years on the job, can sum up in a sentence.
Government reports have recently found that the U.S. water supply is in jeopardy, both in terms of quantity and quality. Here are tools for reporters to research water issues.
A government report from last month revealed that most experts foresee water shortages within the next decade. Yet, studies show that countless of gallons of water are currently wasted every day by an aging and inefficient infrastructure.
Water experts predict that much of the United States will experience freshwater shortages within the next decade. To better plan for a potential crisis, researchers and scientists strive to collect data on streams, aquifers and water consumption. However, they do so under constrained financial conditions, leaving many research programs vulnerable.