Water quality in the eastern Iowa basins

Integrated Crop Management
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Abstract

This article summarizes major findings about nutrients in surface and groundwater in the eastern Iowa basins (see map) between 1996 and 1998. The data were collected as part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). Water quality is discussed in terms of local and regional issues and compared with conditions found in all 36 National NAWQA study areas assessed to date. Findings are explained in the context of selected national U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmarks, such as those for drinking water quality and the protection of aquatic organisms.

The Eastern Iowa Basins Study Unit includes the Wapsipinicon, Cedar, Iowa, and Skunk River basins and covers approximately 19,500 square miles in eastern Iowa and southern Minnesota. More than 90 percent of the land in the study unit is used for agricultural purposes. Forested areas account for only 4 percent of the land area.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Water quality in the eastern Iowa basins
Series title Integrated Crop Management
Volume 23
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher Iowa State University Extension
Publisher location Ames, IA
Contributing office(s) Iowa Water Science Center
Description 2 p.
First page 185
Last page 186
Country United States
State Iowa, Minnesota
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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