Data shows Iowa water quality improving – iowafarmbureau.com

Report on Iowa’s Water Quality Management and Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the state of water quality in Iowa, focusing on data-driven evidence and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It refutes claims of worsening pollution by presenting factual data that demonstrates progress in nutrient management and conservation, underscoring the importance of collaborative, science-based solutions.

Data-Driven Assessment of Nutrient Levels and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

Contrary to assertions that pollution has significantly increased, official data indicates a positive trend in water quality, directly contributing to SDG 6. The Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) provides key evidence supporting this progress.

• The CISWRA report documents a “general decline in both nitrogen and phosphorus at many locations,” suggesting that nutrient management strategies implemented over the past two decades have been effective.
• Despite a documented increase in water flow due to higher rainfall, nutrient concentrations have decreased, indicating successful conservation efforts.
• Average nitrate concentrations in the Des Moines River (6.0 mg/L) and Raccoon River (6.5 mg/L) remain below the EPA’s safe drinking water standard of 10 mg/L, directly addressing SDG Target 6.1 for safe and affordable drinking water.

Long-Term Trends and Conservation Impact on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Long-term monitoring reveals that while seasonal fluctuations occur, particularly during heavy rainfall, overall nutrient levels have remained stable. The progress made in reducing nutrient runoff has significant positive implications for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

• Data from the U.S. Geological Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirm that nitrate levels, while variable, do not show a long-term worsening trend.
• A notable achievement is the 33% decline in phosphorus, a result that surpasses state goals outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS).
• This reduction in nutrient loading is critical for protecting aquatic ecosystems from eutrophication, thereby supporting SDG 14, and reflects the effectiveness of on-farm conservation practices that enhance soil health and land management, contributing to SDG 15.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS): A Framework for Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2 & SDG 12)

The INRS serves as a comprehensive, science-based framework for improving water quality. Its structure and implementation align with the principles of sustainable food production systems (SDG 2) and responsible production patterns (SDG 12).

1. Scientific Foundation: The strategy is annually reviewed and updated with the latest scientific findings to ensure its effectiveness.
2. Transparent Tracking: A public dashboard, maintained by Iowa State University, tracks nutrient reductions, the adoption of conservation practices, and water quality trends, promoting accountability.
3. Documented Progress: The dashboard confirms a reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus over the past 25 years, based on statewide water quality monitoring by the DNR.

Fostering Collaboration for the Goals: The Role of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Achieving comprehensive water quality improvements requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The ongoing efforts in Iowa exemplify SDG 17 by promoting collaboration between diverse groups to achieve shared environmental objectives.

• There is a growing trend of cooperation between rural and urban communities to protect Iowa’s waterways.
• Progress is dependent on rejecting divisive rhetoric and focusing on unified, solution-oriented action.
• Building on existing momentum through continued partnership is essential for long-term success in meeting water quality challenges.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The entire article focuses on the quality of water in Iowa’s rivers, specifically addressing pollution from nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. It discusses efforts to manage and improve water resources, which is the central theme of SDG 6.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article discusses reducing nutrient pollution from land-based activities (farming). This directly relates to protecting aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of eutrophication, which is a key concern for SDG 14, even in the context of inland waters that eventually flow to the sea.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The issues are discussed from the perspective of agricultural associations (Iowa Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, etc.). The article links food production with environmental stewardship by highlighting “farmers’ conservation practices” and “nutrient management strategies,” which are essential for achieving sustainable agriculture as outlined in SDG 2.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The conservation efforts and nutrient reduction strategies discussed are land-based management practices designed to protect and restore inland freshwater ecosystems (rivers). This aligns with the goal of sustainably managing terrestrial and freshwater environments.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article explicitly calls for “collaboration over conflict” and notes that “rural and urban communities are increasingly working together.” Furthermore, the article itself is a joint statement from six different agricultural associations, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder partnership in action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • The article’s core message is about improving water quality by reducing nutrient pollution. It cites a “general decline in both nitrogen and phosphorus” and a “33% decline in phosphorus” as evidence of progress towards this target.
2. Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
   • The article highlights the “Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS)” as “the most comprehensive water quality plan in the country,” which represents a form of integrated water resources management involving science, tracking, and collaboration.
3. Target 14.1: By 2030, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • The focus on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus from farm fields directly addresses the goal of curbing nutrient pollution from land-based sources.
4. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • The article refers to “farmers’ conservation practices” and “nutrient management strategies” implemented to reduce environmental impact, which are key components of sustainable and resilient agriculture.
5. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • The efforts described to reduce nutrient loads in rivers are direct actions aimed at conserving and restoring the health of Iowa’s inland freshwater ecosystems.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
   • The article is a collaborative statement from six agricultural associations and advocates for cooperation between rural and urban communities, exemplifying a multi-stakeholder, civil society partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Quantitative Water Quality Measurements:
   • The article provides specific data points that serve as direct indicators. For example, it mentions “an average value of nitrate concentrations of 6.0 mg/L in the Des Moines River and 6.5 mg/L in the Raccoon River,” and compares this to the EPA’s safe drinking water standard of 10 mg/L. This is a clear indicator for Target 6.3.
2. Percentage Reduction in Pollutants:
   • The statement that there has been a “33% decline in phosphorus” is a specific, measurable indicator of progress in reducing nutrient pollution, relevant to Targets 6.3 and 14.1.
3. Long-Term Data Trends:
   • The article refers to long-term data showing a “general decline in both nitrogen and phosphorus” and that nitrate levels “have remained relatively stable” despite seasonal fluctuations. This use of trend data is an indicator of sustained progress.
4. Adoption of Sustainable Practices:
   • The article implies an indicator by mentioning the Iowa State University dashboard that “tracks… conservation practice adoption.” The rate of adoption of these practices by farmers is an indicator for Target 2.4.
5. Existence of Management and Monitoring Plans:
   • The presence and active use of the “Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS)” and its associated “robust dashboard” for tracking progress serve as an indicator for the implementation of integrated water resources management (Target 6.5).
6. Evidence of Partnerships:
   • The joint signature on the article by six different associations (Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Corn Growers Association, etc.) is a qualitative indicator of a functioning partnership, relevant to Target 17.17.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: iowafarmbureau.com