Weekly Water Watch September 3, 2021

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There are 9 beach advisories for the week of 9/3

7 Beaches with an E. coli-related Advisory:
Backbone Beach (Dundee, Delaware County, IA)*
Lake Keomah Beach (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, IA)*
Lower Pine Lake Beach (Eldora, Hardin County, IA)*
McIntosh Woods Beach (Clear Lake, Ventura, Cerro Gordo County, IA)*
Nine Eagles Beach (Davis City, Decatur County, IA)*
Prairie Rose Beach (Harlan, Shelby County, IA)*
Union Grove Beach (Gladbrook, Tama County, IA)*
2 Beaches with a Microcystin-related Advisory:
Crandall's Beach (Big Spirit Lake, Spirit Lake, Dickinson County, IA)*
Green Valley Beach (Creston, Union County, IA)*
*Data from the Iowa DNR State Park Beach Monitoring Program
**Data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

Stormwater Best Management Practices

In this guest blog post, Isaac Svoboda and Derek Namanny of the City of Des Moines' Public Works Clean Water Program share information about Stormwater Best Management Practices and how homeowners can get assistance for projects.

Stormwater is a form of water that we all deal with regularly ranging from rain, snow, or even hail. As soon as it hits the ground, it either absorbs into the soil or flows directly into our local rivers, lakes, and streams. Too much stormwater can cause problems such as flooding, erosion, and pollutant transport. Stormwater controls can be installed in many places but the best place to manage stormwater is the spot on which it lands.

Collective implementation of stormwater management practices can make a difference in water quality across our state. Some municipalities have programs designed to help homeowners capture runoff from their roof, driveway, or event sidewalks to help reduce the number of pollutants being transported directly to our streams and rivers.

For example, the City of Des Moines offers a Stormwater Best Management Practices Rebate Program, which provides an incentive for private property owners to install stormwater best management practices on their property. These practices help enhance the water quality of stormwater runoff while decreasing the amount of runoff that ends up in the storm drainage system.

Using the rebate program to capture runoff from your roof, driveway, or even sidewalks can help reduce the number of pollutants being transported directly to our streams and rivers.

Continue reading the blog here

Pro H2O: Celebrating Clean Water, Honoring Iowans

Pro H2O is IEC's biggest fundraiser of the year and part of that celebration is honoring Iowans doing incredible work to protect, preserve, and improve our water and environment. On Thursday, September 16, join us in person or online to meet four individuals and celebrate their achievements:

  • Impact Through Advocacy - Sikowis (Christine Nobiss), Great Plains Action Society
  • Lifetime Achievement Award - Allen Bonini, advocate and former DNR Watershed Improvement Section Supervisor
  • Youth Leadership Award - Angela Mesenbrink, Storm Lake High School Advanced Ecology Program
  • Business Innovation Award - Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag

In addition to learning more about these inspiring individuals, you'll enjoy live music by Emily Haavik and the 35's, a special-release craft beer from Firetrucker Brewery, and engaging networking. We'll be gathering SAFELY* in person at Curate in Des Moines, or live venues in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Okoboji, plus we'll be streaming online for anyone who wants to join us virtually.

Get your in-person or virtual tickets today!

*COVID-19 Update: The Board of Directors of the Iowa Environmental Council, in keeping with CDC recommendations and following the science to keep us all as safe as possible as we gather together, will be requiring proof of a negative test or proof of vaccination to attend Pro H2O in person at any live location. Masks will also be required regardless of vaccination status when not eating or drinking. See our live event policy.

Join Us for IEC's End of Summer Beach Bash on September 9

Join us for our End of Summer Beach Bash on the patio of Alluvial Brewing Company from 5:30 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 9 to say goodbye to beach season!

We'll provide your first drink and snacks to enjoy while we recap Iowa's summer water news, including toxic algae blooms, microcystin advisories, and take a look at this summer compared to past years.

Attendance is free, but please RSVP by September 6 to be entered to win a beach-themed prize!

Episode 1: Iowa's Water with Your Green Portal

This month, Your Green Portal is focused on water, both quality and quantity.

The series began today with an overview of the many essential aspects of this limited resource that we depend on for our everyday living.

In episode one, IEC Water Program staff Ingrid Gronstal and Alicia Vasto join in the discussion on where we are with regard to water quality in Iowa and the programs they have in place that are moving us forward. Listen now.

Watch now: Iowa Climate Resiliency Forum with Rep. Axne

IEC and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) hosted a virtual session with Representative. Cindy Axne and Iowa advocates on Wednesday, September 1.

The event focused on the need for federal infrastructure investments in climate resiliency and clean energy. Whether it be responding to extreme weather events with community investments or strengthening our commitment to clean power, local solutions are needed.

Watch the forum now!