Under Iowa's Water Quality Standards it is presumed that all perennial streams and rivers are attaining the highest level of recreation and aquatic life uses and should be protected for activities such as fishing and swimming. A Use Assessment and Use Attainability Analysis (UA/UAA) is a process of gathering field data and assessing the available information to determine if a stream is capable of supporting the highest level of recreation and aquatic life uses, and if not assign a more appropriate recreational and aquatic life use classification.
Assessing Iowa Stream Uses Fact Sheet
Fact sheet explaining UA/UAAs and Designated Uses
Surface Water Classification Document
Rule Referenced Document containing a list of Designated Stream in Iowa and their use classifications.
Use Assessment/Use Attainability Analysis Search
This database provides the opportunity to view the department's recommended use designations and supporting information.
Assessment Protocols:
Warm Water Stream Use Designation Protocol
Cold Water Protocol
Recreational Use Assessment and Attainability Analysis Protocol
Help us assess Iowa's streams: take the survey
The DNR is asking for your input on how you recreate in Iowa's streams as we complete recreational assessments on streams in the state. Please
take our online survey to list the streams you use, what activities you use them for and where you access the streams. The DNR will factor the results from the survey into its decision making for applying recreation-based stream designations to Iowa's waters. These assessments are part of classifying recreational stream uses in the state, and will help determine the appropriate level of protection for the stream.
US Environmental Protection Agency's Action Letter for Batch 4
Document containing EPA's review of Batch 4 UAA's.
DNR Contact:
Matthew Dvorak
515-725-8397
matthew.dvorak@dnr.iowa.gov