Iowa State University to monitor water quality at 138 lakes

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission has approved a contract with Iowa State University to monitor 138 lakes for the next three years, according to the Des Moines Register. The contract is for $522,131.

Water at each lake will be measured three times a year for common water quality parameters. The data will be used for lake management, namely restoration work or in evaluating nutrient reduction strategies.

The commission has been pressured by environmental groups to increase its monitoring efforts and adopt stricter water quality standards. Its efforts are also in line with a state plan meant to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus entering Iowa waterways.