The Importance of the IIHR Nitrate Monitoring Network for Local Communities with Tim Wagner

In this episode of Canary in a Cornfield, host Adam talks with Iowa water quality advocate Tim Wagner about nitrate pollution, public health, and the University of Iowa IIHR nitrate monitoring network. Wagner, raised on a north-central Iowa farm and formerly an agricultural specialist with the Izaak Walton League, connects his advocacy to conservation policy work and to losing his sister to a rare bladder cancer. He explains Decorah’s sensitive karst geology, where contaminants can rapidly enter aquifers, and describes a recent manure spill that led to fish kills, DNR fines, and nitrate readings well above the federal standard. With the state legislature having defunded the statewide monitoring network, Decorah’s Sustainability Commission secured unanimous city council approval to spend $17,000 to fund two continuous sensors. But this funding is only for one year and only covers one region, so Wagner emphasizes the necessity of statewide action along with citizen testing and engagement.