The Iowa Section 305(b) report is an attempt to summarize the status of water quality in Iowa as measured by comparisons of recent monitoring data to the Iowa Water Quality Standards . As specified by the federal Clean Water Act, similar reports are prepared by all states as required by Section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act. These reports are prepared following specific guidance provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Results of recent water quality monitoring, special water quality studies, and other assessments of the quality of Iowa's waters are used to determine the degree to which Iowa's rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands support the beneficial uses for which they are designated in the Iowa Water Quality Standards (for example, aquatic life (fishing), swimming, and/or use as a source of a public water supply). Other information from water quality monitoring and studies that are up to five years old are also used to expand the coverage of assessments in the report. Waters assessed as "impaired" (that is, either "partially supporting" or "not supporting" their designated uses) for the basis for the state's list of impaired waters as required by Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.

Summaries of Section 305(b) assessments for all states are available from U.S. EPA.

2000 305(b) Water Quality Report