The groundbreaking Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report provided the most comprehensive and unbiased analysis of water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to date, revealing that agricultural runoff is the primary source of dangerous levels of nitrates and other pollutants. A presentation of this report hosted by The Harkin Institute at Drake University gathered over 600 in-person attendees and was watched by nearly 3,000 people online. Though the report was focused on Central Iowa, it has implications for waterways across the state, as many Iowans are facing challenges posed by the high levels of nitrates and agricultural chemicals in their waterways.
About the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA)
The CISWRA Project was commissioned by the Polk County Board of Supervisors in 2023 to provide an unbiased, comprehensive analysis of our region’s source water quality. This collaborative effort represents one of the most thorough scientific assessments ever conducted on Central Iowa’s water resources.
Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report | August 4, 2025
Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report was the first official presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) report—a groundbreaking scientific study that provides the most comprehensive analysis of water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers to date. This historic event featured a distinguished panel of scientists who were directly involved in creating the landmark 227-page assessment.
Episode 3 (ft. Dr. Claire Hruby, Dr. Peter Levy, Prof. Keith Shilling, Dr. Elliot Anderson, Prof. Mary Kopec, and Jennifer Terry)
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