Protect Our Rivers

Too polluted for swimming or fishing

From the Missouri to the mighty Mississippi and all the smaller rivers flowing across our state, Iowa’s rivers should be state treasures. We should be able to fish in the Iowa River and swim in the Raccoon River without worrying about getting sick.

But even though Iowa’s rivers are an integral part of the state, there are 470 rivers and streams across the state that are too polluted for fishing, swimming or boating. And Iowa’s rivers have anywhere from two to 10 times more algae-causing phosphorus and nitrogen than is considered safe.

Big Ag is to blame

The culprit for all these polluted rivers? Runoff pollution from industrial agriculture. Chemical fertilizer, manure and other polluted runoff from Big Ag is allowed to flow unregulated into our rivers and streams. We can't continue to let Big Ag pollute our rivers.

A plan to protect our rivers

Environment Iowa is working to protect our rivers from runoff pollution—and we have a three-point plan to get it done. We’re urging the Legislature to:

• Set standards for runoff pollution from industrial agriculture;
• Establish a “polluter pays principle,” so that Big Ag will have to pay for polluting our rivers;
• Establish an enforceable plan to clean up Iowa’s rivers.

But Big Ag has deep pockets and huge political influence, and it's lobbying the Legislature to keep our waterways open to pollution.

We know that if we can rally enough public support, we can overcome Big Ag’s influence and protect Iowa’s rivers. That's why we're mobilizing broad support from citizens, local farmers, businesses and elected officials to protect Iowa's rivers.

Together, we can win

Members and supporters like you make it possible for our staff to conduct research, make our case to the media, testify at the Capitol, and persuade elected officials to make the right choices for Iowa’s rivers.

By taking action online, you can show the Legislature that Iowa's rivers are just too important to let Big Ag foul them with runoff pollution.

Join our campaign to protect Iowa's rivers. Add your name today.