A recent proclamation by Governor Reynolds declared July “Lake Appreciation Month” in Iowa. The proclamation recognizes the importance of lakes as one of Iowa’s “most valuable resources” that provide many benefits to the state. From important drinking water sources to economic drivers for Iowa communities, lakes are a centerpiece of life in the state.  

“[L]akes and reservoirs improve the quality of life for all Iowa’s residents and their importance should not go unnoticed,” notes the proclamation. It ends by saying that Iowa “recognizes the need to protect these lakes and reservoirs for future generations.”  

We agree with those statements. 

However, Iowa has done little to actually protect these valuable resources. Between denying IEC’s petition to establish numeric nutrient criteria for recreational lakes and the slow progress of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the state’s water quality is not being protected for future generations by any reasonable measure.  

So far this summer, the DNR has issued 39 E. coli warnings and 13 microcystin warnings for state park beaches. This time last year, we had 64 E. coli warnings and 2 microcystin warnings.  

If we truly appreciate our lakes and consider them a valuable resource for Iowans, the state needs to take steps to better care for them. Reducing nutrient pollution is vital to improving our water quality for recreation, drinking water, and wildlife habitat, and measurable reductions in nutrient pollution require basic standards of care for our land.

This weekend, we encourage our members, supporters, and friends to spend some time at their local lake. Advocating for our water resources begins with appreciating them and understanding what an asset they are to our local communities. We’ll continue to bring you weekly updates about the state of our lakes and beaches; we hope you’ll take the next step to speak out for them. 

- Grace Holbrook
IEC Water Program

Stop and Say Hi to IEC this Summer