Here’s why Iowans say they volunteer to test lakes, rivers for nitrates

By: Zach Sommers

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: April 25, 2026

Words: 2,033

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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On a Wednesday in April, after heavy rainfall, Paul Carlson of Ankeny drove to the end of a road under the Saylorville Dam and parked alongside Rock Creek. It was his sixth time this year at that location with a goal of testing the nitrate levels in the water.

Before walking over to the creek’s bank, he grabbed from his car a bucket with a rope attached, a jar, and a nitrate level testing …

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