Articles from October 2026

Group photo of people standing on the terrace outside the front door of the Stanley Hydraulics Lab

IFC Welcomes Visitors from Minnesota: Sharing the Secret Sauce

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
In October, a group of about 10 visitors from Minnesota trekked south to Iowa City to learn more about IIHR’s successful Iowa Flood Center. The Minnesotans came with a mission: to create a Minnesota version of the flood center.
Checking sensor

What the History of Blue Baby Syndrome Tells Us About Today’s Fight for Clean Water

Friday, October 9, 2026
Even with the 10 milligram per liter standard now in place, many scientists are concerned that regular consumption of nitrate at lower levels can harm people. “We’ve been sort of stuck since 2010, which I often tell people is the year my daughter was born,” Cwiertny says. “It’s crazy that she’s 16 and driving, and we haven’t been able to actually act on that yet.”
IFIS map of Iowa with colorful bands showing the heavy rainfall Iowa received in September 2026

Iowa Flood Tool Gets Upgrade with Real-Time Alerts Statewide

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
The Iowa Flood Center launched an updated version of its Iowa Flood Information System. The enhanced platform features improved visuals and a more intuitive design to provide critical flood risk information to all Iowans.
Two men in suits and ties sit at a table, answering questions from reporters. Behind them is a black and gold University of Iowa backdrop

New University of Iowa Initiative Studies State’s High Cancer Rates

Monday, October 5, 2026
A $5M gift from the Krause Family Foundation supports research into how environmental factors influence Iowans’ health.
Closeup view of waves on a river. Green leafy trees line both banks.

Iowa Flood Center Launches Updated Iowa Flood Information System Platform

Friday, October 2, 2026
The updates to the Iowa Flood Information System include improved visuals and user-friendly additions.
A colorful map of Iowa showing precipitation and flood warnings from the Iowa Flood Information System

Iowa Flood Center Launches Updated Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) Platform

Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) has launched an updated version of its flagship product, the Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS). The enhanced platform features improved visuals and a more intuitive design, advancing IFC’s mission to provide critical flood risk information to all Iowans.
Two men install water quality sensor equipment on the banks of a stream with a bridge in the background

Two Area Creeks Get Water Quality Monitors

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Two creeks in the Cascade area had their water quality monitoring game elevated as IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering staff installed a pair of water quality monitors on Sept. 22.