What if changing how we farm could cut flooding by 25%? Data from Iowa shows that shifting from conventional farming to relay cropping slows runoff, keeps more water in the soil, and reduces chemical use. "We know farmers using relay cropping are applying less synthetic fertilizer and cutting out pesticides…
How can farming impact flooding? The Iowa Flood Center is finding out by comparing hydro weather stations on regenerative and conventional farms. These stations collect real-time data on rainfall, wind, and soil moisture at multiple depths to reveal how different practices affect water retention and runoff. "We’re gathering critical data…
Iowa farmer Loran Steinlage noticed something different—his tile lines weren’t running nearly as much as his neighbors’. Data confirmed what he suspected: his relay cropping and regenerative practices were improving water infiltration, holding more moisture in the soil, and reducing runoff. "To me, the big picture is that's how we're…
💧 H2O INTRO 💧 Meet Crystal Tulley-Cordova of the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources The Navajo Nation is 67 times more likely than other Americans to live without running water, making water access a critical challenge for the largest land-based Native American tribe. Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist for the…
A new approach to farming in Iowa is tackling flooding and water pollution. Relay cropping keeps living roots in the soil year-round by planting a cereal grain in the fall, which then hands off to soybeans in the spring. This method reduces runoff, improves water retention, and boosts resilience against…
Flooding and water quality degradation are significant challenges in Iowa's agricultural watersheds, driven by intensive farming practices and increasingly extreme weather events. Relay cropping, a regenerative farming practice, offers a solution by keeping soil covered and living roots in the ground year-round to reduce runoff and improve soil health. Plus…
Removing the Sixth Street Dam in Grand Rapids could unlock 40 acres of prime spawning habitat for lake sturgeon, a species that once thrived in these waters. By partnering with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service, the city is working to reconnect the river and…
💧H2O Minute News ⏰ Sri Vedachalam of CIS: A new report, Resilient Stormwater Management in the Great Lakes Region, highlights solutions to climate adaptation and urban flooding challenges. Funded by the Great Lakes Protection Fund and developed by CIS with the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange, the report identifies key barriers…
The Grand River restoration is designed to bring people back to the water—not just to see it, but to engage with it. By adding rock veins to slow the current, students will have a safe space to conduct science experiments, explore aquatic ecosystems, and connect with nature. "We’re creating opportunities…
With over 400 small water systems in Alabama, ensuring compliance with new drinking water regulations is no small task. April Nabors of Birmingham Water Works saw an opportunity to help. Through her leadership capstone project, she developed a hands-on approach to guide five local systems in meeting the updated Lead…
The Grand River restoration isn’t just about removing dams—it’s about making the river accessible for all. With a $95 million investment, Grand Rapids is restoring habitat, improving water quality, and reconnecting communities to the river. "We’ve engaged neighborhood groups, local tribes, and residents to ensure this river belongs to everyone,"…
Grand Rapids is restoring the namesake rapids of the Grand River, reversing decades of human intervention that removed natural rock formations and altered the river’s flow. The city’s River For All project is removing five low-head dams and reshaping riverbanks to improve habitat, water quality, and public access. Mike Stahl,…
💧H2O Minute News ⏱️ Tanja Andrejasic Wechsler: The "I AM WATER" glass bottle is a reusable, water-drop-shaped container. This design symbolizes the intrinsic connection between humanity and water, emphasizing its sacredness and the need for environmental stewardship. The bottle serves as the centerpiece of a broader educational campaign aimed at…
What should we rethink about water? Access to clean water is not guaranteed, yet many still take it for granted. Freshwater demand is projected to exceed supply by over 40% in just five years due to climate change, groundwater depletion, energy consumption, and population growth. Shannon Knee, COO of Cetos…
A single acre of restored oxbow can hold up to a million gallons of water, providing critical flood protection for communities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which has faced severe flooding in recent decades. These natural features do more than manage water—they also filter out 62% of nitrates, improving water quality…
Since 2002, U.S. Fish and Wildlife has led the charge on oxbow restoration in Iowa, completing around 200 projects over two decades. But recent years have seen a surge, with over 50 oxbows restored in just the past year or two—proof of their growing success in improving water quality, reducing…
💧 H2O Minute News ⏱️ John Jackson of Stroud Water Research Center: As part of Winter Salt Week 2025, a multistate effort to raise awareness about the harms of road salt, Stroud Water Research Center helped dozens of organizations in the mid-Atlantic region sample streams and tell the story of…
What was once stagnant, weed-choked land on farms has become a vital resource, thanks to oxbow restoration. These revived river bends transform unproductive ground into thriving pastures, providing clean water and cool relief for livestock—turning non-profitable land into an asset. For Iowa farmer John Marshall, it’s not just an environmental…
💧 H2O INTRO 💧 Meet Andre Miller of TriRiver Water In North Carolina, over 45% of the population relies on contaminated wells—a growing concern as the state’s population is expected to rise by 10% in the next decade. Andre Miller, Director of Engineering for TriRiver Water, is at the forefront…
Beneath Iowa’s fields, tile drainage systems carry water—and nitrates—straight to creeks and rivers. But oxbow restorations are changing that. By intercepting tile drainage and redirecting it into restored oxbows, this simple solution slows water flow, reduces sediment, and filters out nitrates before they reach the Mississippi River and ultimately the…
Agriculture in Iowa is vital to feeding the world, but it poses challenges for water quality and flood management due to nutrient runoff and extreme weather. One innovative solution is the restoration of oxbow lakes—former river bends that have become disconnected from streams. These revitalized oxbows filter out nutrients like…
Community engagement and transparency are key to tackling lead service line replacement, emphasizes Dante Sawyer, Village Manager of Hazel Crest. Success starts with gaining the backing of local elected leaders and collaborating with engineering firms, county, and state agencies. Just as important is earning the trust of residents, whose homes…
Cook County’s innovative approach to lead service line replacement has achieved remarkable results, leveraging $27 in funding for every $1 invested. By offering wraparound support to municipalities navigating State Revolving Fund (SRF) applications under the bipartisan infrastructure law, the county ensures even resource-strapped communities can access transformative funding. Drew Williams-Clark…
With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Cook County made a bold decision to invest in community-focused programs, including tackling the lead service line crisis. Recognizing the scope of the challenge, the county not only began replacing lines but also launched efforts to provide technical assistance to municipalities, guiding…