Source Water is a lake, stream, river or aquifer where drinking water is obtained.
Source Water Protection (SWP) is the act of preventing contaminants
from entering public drinking water sources. SWP includes both ground
water (wellhead) protection and surface water protection.
The IDNR SWP Program is a voluntary program and is divided into Targeted and Non-Targeted programs in order to provide better customer service to our Iowa Community Water Supplies (CWS).
May 1 to 7 as Source Water Protection Week in Iowa
Governor Terry Branstad has declared May 1 to 7 as Source Water Protection Week in Iowa.
Iowa communities are creating source water protection plans, which helps guard the water source – whether an aquifer, lake or river – that they draw their drinking water from. That includes 15 pilot projects across the state working to protect drinking water.
Communities work with the DNR and other partners in the Iowa Source Water Ag Collaborative, which can provide Iowans information and resources to protect their drinking water sources.
In Griswold, a local effort resulted in a source water protection plan that led to installing cover crops in 75 percent of the area surrounding the city’s well. The cover crops will help decrease the risk of nitrate entering Griswold’s drinking water source, and can provide wildlife habitat, reduce erosion and improve soil quality.
“The Source Water Ag Collaborative initiated the creation of Iowa’s first Source Water Protection Week. This will provide an opportunity to celebrate and provide awareness of ongoing SWP partnerships in Iowa,” said Rebecca Ohrtman, SWP Program Coordinator.
Source Water Protection Week in Iowa Proclamation