In this second episode of our six-part Deciding Iowa series on water, hosts Dr. Shawn Ellerbroek and Dr. Emily Boevers dig into Iowa’s drinking water: where it comes from, how much we have, and the challenges in protecting it.

Recent headlines have spotlighted rising nitrate levels in Iowa’s rivers, putting stress on water treatment facilities and raising concerns for public health. To unpack the science, policy, and law behind these issues, we’re joined by two leading voices:

• Chuck Isenhart, former Iowa State Representative and current investigative reporter and environmental advocate.
• Wally Taylor, longtime environmental attorney, representing the Sierra Club in cases involving water, land use, and pipeline projects.

Together, they explore Iowa’s aquifers, the risks of contamination, gaps in regulation, and the tension between protecting water resources and supporting agriculture and industry.

This episode raises tough questions about how Iowa manages its most vital resource—and what it will take to secure safe, clean water for future generations.

Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are flowing into Iowa’s waterways at alarming levels, fueling pollution and long-term risks for our health, economy, and environment. In this episode, Shawn and Emily sit down with Dr. Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and Dean's Professor in the College of Ag and Life Sciences, and Professor at Iowa State University to unpack what’s being done, what’s working, and what still needs urgent attention.