The Iowa Source Water Agricultural Collaborative is excited to join the national effort in recognizing Source Water Protection week, which takes place from September 29th through October 5th. This week-long observance emphasizes the importance of protecting our drinking water sources and brings awareness to the cooperative work that is necessary to ensure clean and abundant drinking water is available for all communities.
The Iowa Source Water Agricultural Collaborative is a coalition comprised of agricultural organizations, water utilities, and government conservation agencies. The collaborative continues its mission to work in partnership on effective water protection strategies through outreach, education, and assisting communities with source water protection plan development and implementation.
“Source Water Protection Week provides a valuable outlet for organizations to raise awareness about the efforts communities across our state, and the nation, undertake to protect their drinking water source.” said Kayla Lyon, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
"We’re continuing to see strong interest in and demand for conservation and water quality programs with more work getting done now than ever before. Iowa has set a record in conservation adoption for the third consecutive year, reflecting our growing momentum in improving water quality,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.” “This progress is only made possible through the collaborative efforts of public and private partners, farmers, and landowners who are embracing proven water quality practices across the state. It’s crucial for all Iowans—whether in rural or urban areas—to continue to accelerate our efforts to protect our water and soil in the year ahead."
Working together, the Collaborative is committed to enhancing and protecting Iowa’s drinking water at the source. The Iowa Source Water Agriculture Collaborative recognizes the importance of healthy partnerships in making source water protection a priority.
Iowa Agriculture Collaborative Partners
- Agribusiness Association of Iowa
- Conservation Districts of Iowa
- City of Cedar Rapids
- Iowa Farm Bureau
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Iowa Pork Producers Association
- Iowa Rural Water Association
- Rathbun Regional Water Association
- Iowa section of the American Water Works Association
- Iowa Soybean Association
- Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
- USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- West Des Moines Waterworks
Source : iowadnr.gov