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Water Technology: Nitrate levels in Iowa rivers are increasing, possibly affecting drinking waterPosted May 15, 2013CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Nitrate levels in the Cedar River and other rivers in the state are spiking due in part to last summer’s drought, according to KWWL News.
"We've seen nitrate levels in the Cedar River and rivers across Iowa have an increased nitrate level over the last few weeks," said Megan Murphy, utilities communication coordinator for the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
There is typically a rise in nitrate levels this time of year because of all the fertilizers being used in...
Read More » Globe Gazette: Iowa DNR warns paddlers about cold water, debrisPosted May 15, 2013DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials are warning spring paddlers to be wary of cold water and debris piled on by full streams.
The state Department of Natural Resources says the water may still be ice cold despite the warm temperatures. They encourage paddlers to have a wetsuit and a change of dry clothes until the water truly warms up.
Recent rains have also caused streams near bank full. Water is flowing fast, and high water has collected debris like trees and limbs. They've been...
Read More » The Gazette: Nitrate levels up in Iowa rivers, but Cedar Rapids drinking water safePosted May 14, 2013Rivers in Iowa are experiencing high nitrate levels, though the city of Cedar Rapids does not anticipate that high nitrate levels will impact the city’s drinking water supply.
Levels must reach 10 milligrams per liter to prompt a health advisory, and the city has not had to issue such an advisory in the past. It does not expect to now either, Megan Murphy, communications director and education coordinator for the city’s Utilities Department, said Tuesday.
Murphy noted that the...
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