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Have you Tested Your Water?
Municipal Water
Municipal water—often called city water or tap water—is treated drinking water supplied by a local government or public utility. It comes from natural sources like rivers or lakes (surface water) or groundwater (aquifer), is cleaned at a treatment plant, and travels through pipes to homes and businesses.
Private Wells
Well water is water pumped up from underground aquifers through pumps and into a home. Unlike Iowans who get water from a public or rural water system, homeowners with private wells are entirely responsible for ensuring their water is fit for human consumption. Many sources, including failed septic tanks, landfills, and fertilizer-rich agricultural lands, can contaminate groundwater. Well owners can get free water testing annually. Contact your county sanitarium
Iowa is an outlier for cancer.
Iowa has the second highest cancer incidence rate in the nation and is one of only three states where the rate is rising. While the U.S. has a declining overall cancer rate, Iowa's is sharply increasing. More than 170,000 Iowans share the experience of living with a past or current cancer diagnosis, and many more have lost loved ones to cancer.
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Join the Nishnabotna Water Defenders Mission!
The NWD's current focus is on the Nishnabotna River, both the East and West forks. Water quality in the watersheds is vital. However, we want this group to be representative of all of Southwest Iowa, not just those who live in the Nishnabotna watershed. Learn more below and join us!
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