Iowa’s second-highest cancer rate in the nation has made scientific water quality data more important than ever. The Iowa Legislature diverted funds for the Iowa Water Quality Information System in 2023. While county governments and other groups have helped fund the system the last few years, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering Director Larry Weber is asking lawmakers to reappropriate funds before the end of this year’s session.

Iowa’s real-time nitrate water sensor network is in danger of losing funding on June 30, 2026. But Iowa state legislators have the power to restore its funding this session.

On April 7, the University of Iowa presented Larry Weber with its most prestigious honor, the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion.

Iowa has some of the nation’s most polluted water. It’s one of only three states where cancer rates are rising, ranking second in the nation for total cancer incidence. Not coincidentally, it’s also ground zero for industrial agriculture in America.