DNR report shows Iowa's water pollution rising | Local News

According to a new report released by the Department of Natural Resources, the list of Iowa'spolluted waters is growing.

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"What we're seeing here is one out of every two water bodies that we've assessed is determined tobe impaired," said Susan Heathcote of the Iowa Environmental solutions to water pollution Council.

The Department of Natural Resources says the number of lakes, rivers and streams in Iowa impaireddue to some level of pollution has spiked 15 percent in two years.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says 725 impaired water bodies will be included in areport it must submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The 2014 number is up from 630 reported in 2012.

"That is the No. 1 cause of impairments in our rivers is high bacteria levels that are not safe forhuman contact," Heathcote said.

Bacteria and fish kills, largely from manure spills or waste storage leaks from large hog or cattleoperations, are the leading river problems.

Gov. Terry Branstad says he's budgeted $57 million over two years for water quality programs.

Environmental groups say increased regulation of farm spills and runoff is needed for significantimprovements.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey sent KCCI a statement in response:

"The impaired waters list shows that every Iowan impacts our water and that every Iowan has a roleto play. Water quality is something every Iowan should care about and work in partnership toimplement our statewide nutrient reduction strategy."