Iowa Gets a "Poor" Grade for Water Quality

Iowa received a C- for water quality in the DNR's 2009 Environmental Report Card. The state monitors 72 sites on major Iowa rivers for factors that affect fish and aquatic life, drinking water, recreation and aesthetics. This information provides data that gives an overall picture of the health of Iowa's waterways.

The report looks at a total of eight areas. The state's lakes received a B with little more than half of the state's publicly owned lakes providing clear water.