DES MOINES, Iowa — In 2023, the Polk County Board of Supervisors commissioned the most comprehensive water quality study on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers.

Last month, the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) was published – right in the midst of unprecedented watering bans due to high nitrates in the rivers.

On Monday night, the first public panel of the report was held. Hundreds packed Sheslow Auditorium on the campus of Drake University to hear from four of the 16 scientists who were part of the study.

Following the presentation was a question and answer session, where the main interest surrounded the nitrate levels and drinking water.

“It matters. That we need to do better for public health in this state and it’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of commitment. Our policy is just a part of it. We need to just educate ourselves, and I know no one wants to go home and read a 200-page report, but if there’s parts of it, if there’s questions, reach out. I think the great thing about Iowa is that, you know, our professionals are pretty accessible, we’re a small crowd,” Dr. Claire Hruby, a CISWRA panelist, said.

To read the full report, visit the Polk County website.