Stream Stomping Meets Science

Did you know that thousands of volunteers have been monitoring water quality in Iowa for many years? With IOWATER, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources program, this effort has been unified as a coordinated statewide effort.

Conservation Pack leaders Jackie and Stewy, along with members of the Water Rocks! team, have participated in IOWATER training. 

“Getting trained in the IOWATER program was a great way for our team to learn more about the water quality issues in our state. It helps us better understand and convey that information when we present at schools and outreach events statewide,” commented Water Rocks! science director Ann Staudt.

Since 1998, IOWATER citizen monitors have contributed valuable data and reinforced the concept of public ownership of our environment, specifically our waterways. Becoming a citizen monitor allows individuals to become involved in the protection and improvement of our environment.   

"The IOWATER program is an awesome opportunity to get out in your local streams and rivers and see first hand what’s happening. With the help of a trained adult leader, youth can participate with their classmates, 4-H club, Boy/Girl Scouts, or you can even do water monitoring as family activity. It’s real science at work, it’s very hands-on, and it’s FUN!,” says Staudt.

Water monitoring is the first step to improving water quality. So, talk to your teacher and parents about becoming IOWATER volunteers. As Jackie and Stewy say, “It’s a bow-wow world when we all work together!”

The IOWATER program has been discontinued as of January 2016. 
Learn more on the DNR's Volunteer Water Monitoring page.