Dubuque County Invests in New Water Quality Monitoring Systems

Several different government agencies and nonprofits came together to contribute to new sensors that would monitor the water quality in Dubuque County.

Per a press release from the University of Iowa, here is a breakdown of the amount of money local agencies and organizations are contributing and to which creeks/rivers they are monitoring as a result:

READ MORE: Speed Limits in Dubuque County Won't Change Despite Statewide Increase

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A Look at the Water Quality Monitoring Sensors:

Funding for Water Quality Sensors at Lytle Creek, Whitewater Creek, and the Little Maquoketa River:

• The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors and Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are each contributing $5,225
• Dubuque Area Water Land and Legacy will contribute $14,100.

Funding for Water Quality Sensors at North Folk of the Maquoketa River:

• The Friends of Jackson County Conservation and Dubuque Area Water Land and Legacy are contributing $3,650.

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These sensors are part of a statewide water quality network operated by IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) at the University of Iowa. Every 15 minutes, the sensors will gather data and display findings on the Iowa Water Quality Information System (IWQIS), an online water quality monitoring platform.

IIHR's water quality sensor network has been operating for over a decade, with real-time data updated in 15 minute intervals. It allows for immediate updates when it comes to water that is safe for drinking, recreation, and other uses. The information gathered is used to support the state's nutrient reduction strategy goals, as well as an assessment of conservation practices on landscapes.

The adoption of these sensors will lead to reliable scientific information essential to assessing the quality of Iowa water. You can find out more information about multiple agencies and organizations coming together to fund these sensors on the University of Iowa's website.