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The issue of water quantity – how much water Iowa has available – has come to light with the recent increase in major industries that use water to power their operations.
While we are not facing an immediate shortage, there have not been resources at the state level to properly look at water quantity issues in recent years. We must plan in the long-term for future industry, drinking water and other water uses.
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Key issues:
- Reduced resources
Practically all funding for water supply issues comes from the state general fund. Reductions in general fund revenues over the last 20 years have resulted in outdated information on water uses and water levels.
- Iowa's Water Plan
Iowa’s comprehensive water plan hasn’t been updated since 1985. It summarizes what we know about Iowa’s water resources and how to address problems. A revised water plan would quantify what is currently available in aquifers, trends over time in water levels, current levels of use, and most importantly, projections for future water use in the state.
- Updating the Water Plan
Much has changed in the last 20 years, including the pattern of demand on water supplies. An updated plan is needed to avoid water shortages, crises and conflicts between water users in the future. The key is to update the plan regularly to account for new water uses as they emerge and changes in our knowledge of the resource.
Additional resources
The following are PDF files.
Technical resources
The following are PDF files.
More information from the DNR:
For more information, contact:
Bob Libra
State Geologist
(319) 335-1585
blibra@igsb.uiowa.edu
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