All News

David Cwiertny

What’s in tile runoff? University of Iowa professor explains

Monday, March 9, 2026
On Friday, March 6, the Hills Community Center hosted a meeting on tile runoff monitoring led by Dr. David Cwiertny, a professor at the University of Iowa.
David Cwiertny looks concerned with the Iowa River and dam behind him

Buying water from for-profit kiosks may come with lead, research finds

Thursday, March 5, 2026
University of Iowa researchers found that water purchased from standalone water kiosks in several states contained lead. David Cwiertny, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and IIHR research engineer, co-led the project.
an aerial photo of a flooded small town

Iowa House passes bill to create state plan for flood protection

Monday, March 2, 2026
The House passed a bill Wednesday to create and implement a statewide, 30-year resilience plan to protect state life, property and other assets in the event of a flood or other water-related disaster. Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, said the legislation was a “visionary bill” that “redefines” how the state protects itself from “floods, droughts and shifting water supplies.”
The Iowa River flowing over a small dam as it passes by the University of Iowa campus, with colorful fall trees on the banks.

Understanding Our Aquifers

Monday, February 23, 2026
In 2025, the IGS led a pilot study of the Iowa River valley alluvial aquifer between Marshall and Johnson counties. The goal was to better understand the quantity, distribution, and sustainability of the water in the aquifer.
A colorful computer model shows resistivity levels underground

Iowa could be on the cusp of a hydrogen rush; lawmakers weigh regulations

Thursday, February 19, 2026
It’s no secret that Iowa is home to large geological formations that are rich in hydrogen-producing rocks, but the question in recent years has turned to whether or not that hydrogen can be extracted in meaningful quantities.
Fred Stern smiles with the IIHR Wave Basin in the background

Stern Wins Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

Thursday, February 19, 2026
IIHR‘s Fred Stern is among the winners of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence. Stern is the George D. Ashton Professor of Hydroscience and Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. He is one of six University of Iowa faculty members honored for their extraordinary contributions and sustained record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
A researcher kneels in a culvert with water flowing by his feet.

Iowa research engineer invents physics-based approach for measuring river flow

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
A University of Iowa research engineer has invented a custom physics-based approach for measuring the flow in rivers and streams, which could benefit applications ranging from design of structures to flood warnings to resource management.
River

Eastern Iowa aquifer running dry as demand outpaces supply

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
JOHNSON CO., Iowa (KCRG) - Growth in North Liberty, Solon, and Tiffin is draining an aquifer faster than it’s being replenished, according to U.S. Geological Survey data presented to concerned residents.
Dirty Water

KCCI Investigates: Nitrate removal facility runs for a month, uncommon for winter

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa — The nitrate removal facility at Central Iowa Water Works has now been running for a full month. The readings for nitrates in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers were as high as 17 milligrams per liter in January.
River

What Does a Small Town Do When the Water Is Undrinkable?

Friday, January 30, 2026
Nitrate pollution is straining small water facilities in Iowa, even when they have advanced filtration systems.