Iowa Private Wells Show Arsenic Contamination and Nitrate Risk
A statewide survey of rural wells from 2006 to 2008 shows high nitrate and bacterial contamination, with 48 percent of 473 wells testing for arsenic and 8 percent above the health concern level. The study follows a 1988–89 survey. comparisons show shifts in coliform detections and nitrate levels. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports rare waterborne illnesses, noting cases in 2014 for methemoglobinemia and arsenic, cadmium, and mercury poisonings, while advising annual testing for nitrate and coliforms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russell Tell
Department of Natural Resources
Iowa
Weyer
Iowa Department of Public Health
Stuart Schmitz
Health Department
State Hygienic Laboratory
Alluvial wells shape Iowa environmental health program funding
The University of Iowa aided by the Grants to Counties Program funds county health departments for private well water testing. From 2004 to 2013 about 5,238 wells were tested annually with 673 nitrate exceedances on average. In 2014, tests rose to 5,261 with 1,518 exceedances, 28.9 percent. Tim Wickam of the Iowa Department of Public Health cautions the rise may reflect differing wells rather than a real trend.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tim Wickam
Iowa Department of Public Health
Michael Schultz
University of Iowa
Radiology
Radiation Oncology
Where does our well water come from?
Iowa residents rely on regulated public utilities for well water. Cedar Rapids draws from river near alluvial wells, with water moving through sand and gravel before pumping. Private wells vary. casing reduces bacterial contamination and annual testing is advised.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Cedar River
Steve Hershner
Hershner
Ron Cunningham
Shawver Well
Fredericksburg
Cunningham
Shawver
Declining Iowa towns shift from private wells to public water
Michael Schultz notes private wells are fading as Palo Linn County and Hills Johnson County establish municipal systems. Residents of Quasqueton Rowley Aurora Dundee Littleton and Greeley switch to Central Iowa Water Association supplies. One third of tested wells show water quality issues, mainly nitrates or coliform bacteria, with boiling or disinfection advised before consumption.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Quasqueton
Rowley
Aurora
Dundee
Littleton
Greeley
Central Iowa Water Association
Central Town
Kristie Wilding
Tell
Cedar Rapids Sees Attendance Gap Amid Chronic Absenteeism
Cedar Rapids schools report elementary attendance above 95 percent on a typical day but chronic absenteeism remains an issue. Wright Elementary cut chronic absences by half through Reading Into Success with United Way led efforts and parent awareness campaigns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Brad Buck
Paul Hayes
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Civil Rights
Buck
Wright Elementary
United Way
Krob
Laura Columbus
East Central
Iowa
Columbus
Stu
Also Mentioned on This Page
Cerro Gordo County
Michael Wichman
The
Iroundwater
Limestone
Pourte
Orlan Love
the Gazette
Thegazette
Orlan
Dents
Hayes
Wright
Karl Werner
Werner
Duffy
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