For researchers at the Iowa Geological Survey, West Lake Okoboji is at the heart of a tantalizing geological mystery: Why is the lake so deep? A recent IGS research project sought to learn the answer, which lies in the region’s geology, and how water and nutrients enter the lake.

Iowa’s farmland sits on more than soil — deep underground may be the makings of a clean energy economy.

Des Moines’ summer watering ban has brought attention to high nitrate levels in waterways and efforts to monitor environmental issues statewide.

Iowa INSIGHT will expand environmental monitoring across the state, tracking air and water quality. The program aims to pinpoint factors that may contribute to Iowa’s high cancer rate.

Starting July 1, Iowa INSIGHT will launch as a statewide environmental monitoring program to track air and water quality, aiming to address public health concerns such as cancer risks and pollution.

Hidden in Iowa’s bedrock could be resources with the potential to launch a lucrative, clean energy economy in the state, but researchers say state actions and corporate interests are burying the ability of others to explore further.

Iowa State Geologist Keith Schilling says that a proposed data center near Clinton, Iowa, could face complications from pulling water from the Jordan Aquifer. Iowa needs a statewide water plan, he says, in part to under­stand how one loc­ale’s project can affect other water cus­tom­ers.

IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa has partnered with Iowa towns and major cities in the nation and world to manage their stormwater challenges, with the goal to efficiently discharge excess flows that can harm the environment and endanger people.

With Mother Nature as his muse, assistant professor and IIHR researcher Cong Wang conducts fundamental fluid dynamics research at the UI College of Engineering.

Because of budget cuts, Winneshiek County in northeast Iowa replaced a USGS river gauge with an Iowa Flood Center stream sensor. The sensor measures water levels in real time, giving Snyder the early warning he needs before a flood hits. He said he turned to the solution after he was priced out of a federal gauge.