Know Your Flood Risks-Iowa Flood Center Tools

This feature story comes from Breanna Shea at the Iowa Flood Center. The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public.

On June 13, 2008, the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids crested at its highest level in history reaching 31.12 feet, shattering the previous record of 20 feet. Many consecutive days of heavy rainfall led to flood damages across the state estimated at $10 billion. The floodwaters inundated 10 square miles of the city, dislocating 18,000 residents and impacting critical buildings including the primary hospital, fire station, library, and police station.  

Iowans lacked access to reliable information to help them understand, plan, and prepare for the 2008 flood. In response, Iowa legislators established the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) at the University of Iowa’s IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) department, a world-renowned institute for education, research, and public service dedicated to solving some of the world’s greatest water resources challenges. IIHR’s expertise made it the natural home for the IFC, the nation’s first and only academic center devoted solely to flood-related research and education.  

The IFC provides technical support to many local, state, and federal partners through flood monitoring and forecasting, inundation mapping, mitigation, and education and outreach, helping Iowans understand and reduce their current and future flood risks.  

Spring Drought Persists

Despite scattered showers in early June, much of Iowa faces 'abnormally dry' or drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, May’s statewide precipitation was about 2 inches below normal.

This prolonged drought reflects broader changes in climate. The National Weather Service's (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts near-average precipitation across the state in June. However, with temperatures soaring into the 90s this week, drought may worsen over the summer.

Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist, indicates that some regions in Iowa are particularly at risk for worsened conditions: "Despite above-average rainfall in March and nearly average amounts in April, May saw below-normal totals, which expanded drought conditions across the state, but most notably in western and southeastern Iowa. Western Iowa is now under a drought watch as D1 – Severe Drought persists." 

Water Quality Concerns in Central Iowa

Water use restrictions are top of mind for many Iowans this week. The Raccoon River, a key drinking water source for central Iowa residents, has recently tested for high nitrate levels. This week, recorded nitrates tests were above 20 mg/L - the highest recorded since 2013. The Des Moines River was at 17 mg/L.

This raises concerns for water utilities and their capacity to lower nitrate levels, while also alarming residents regarding water quality safety. The Clean Water Act, enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, limits nitrates in a public water supply at 10 mg/L. Some research indicates that even that level is too high for human consumption, particularly for increased cancer risks.

Yesterday, officials from Central Iowa Water Works banned lawn irrigation in an effort to address nitrate decontamination in water for essential uses. Read more about the lawn watering ban here.

Get Involved

• June 14: Riverine Walk - Davenport
• June 14: Sierra Club Iowa Chapter Annual Meeting - Webster City
• June 16: Riverine Walk - Davenport
• June 17: Des Moines County Cancer Listening Session
• June 18: Scott County Cancer Listening Session
• June 18: Johnson County Cancer Listening Session
• June 30: Protecting Iowa Wetlands - Virtual

Cancer in Iowa Listening Sessions
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rates in the nation, and it is among only two states where cancer rates are increasing. We want to hear from you: Iowans who wish to learn more about cancer in our state, and Iowans who have been impacted by cancer. Register for a listening session near you.

Protecting Wetlands Webinar
On June 30, IEC's General Counsel Michael Schmidt and Hardin County farmer John Gilbert will present on the impact of wetlands and the Swampbuster case. This free webinar will include background on IEC's intervention into the federal case, the many benefits of wetlands, what the decision means for farmers.

Hear from IEC's Water Program Director

Hello, Weekly Water Watch readers!

This week was a busy one for IEC staff. We traveled to Indianola and Des Moines for cancer listening sessions, and to Sioux City for a screening of Iowa's Dirty Secret: The True Cost of Burning Coal. We are so thrilled to visit communities throughout Iowa to share our work and hear from Iowans. While we always encourage in-person engagement, we also provide plenty of webinars and virtual events for you to take part in. Do you have a topic you're interested in? Is there something unique about your community you want highlighted? Reach out to iecmail@iaenvironment.org to connect!

Have a wonderful weekend!
- Colleen Fowle