Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1. How much water do Ida County residents use each day?

According to public and private well data, county residents use about 100 gallons per person per day. Source: Iowa PROfiles (Public Resources Online)

 

2. Who funds the Battle Creek Watershed Project?

The project is funded by federal, state, and local sources. Federal funding is obtained through the Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 program (administered by the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources) and the Conservation Reserve Program. State funding is provided by Iowa's Water Protection Fund (administered by the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture & Land Stewarship, Division of Soil Conservation) and Iowa's Grants-To-Counties Program (administered locally by the Ida County Public Health Sanitarian).

 

3. Which water pollutants should we be worried about in Ida County?

The pollutants of highest concern are nitrate-nitrogen and coliform bacteria. The Ida County Sanitarian routinely checks well water quality through a free test for rural residents. These samples are analyzed by a lab for nitrate-nitrogen and total coliform bacteria, and the resident is sent the results. From 1990-1997, 34% of Ida County well water samples exceeded the health advisory limit for nitrate-nitrogen, while 51% of the samples contained levels of total coliform bacteria that show potential for soil or waste contamination.

 

Agricultural and lawn fertilizers are a common source of nitrate-nitrogen. The primary health risk from nitrate contamination is called methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome".

 

Coliform bacteria are a large group of microorganisms found naturally in soil, as well as in human and animal waste. Their presence in a water test may indicate the well structure is failing. A test for this type of bacteria (called a total coliform test) is inexpensive, and is the most common bacteria test for rural well water samples. They are used as an indicator of possible disease-causing organisms.

 

Fecal coliforms are a subgroup of total coliforms, and E. coli is a type of fecal coliform. The presence of E. coli in drinking water indicates contamination by human or animal waste. Symptoms of E. coli contamination include diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. To be considered safe, your drinking water must be free of all fecal coliform bacteria. Tests for fecal coliforms are more expensive.

 

Understanding your well water test is important! If the results show a presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms may be present. However, if the results show no total coliforms, then fecal coliforms are not present.

 

Other pollutants of concern are agricultural and lawn pesticides, soil erosion, and various household hazardous wastes (e.g. motor oil, detergents, solvents). These pollutants may contaminate surface waters through point sources (field tile lines, city storm drains) or nonpoint sources (erosion and runoff from fields).

 

4. If our water comes from the city or Rural Water sources, how do we know it's safe?

All public water suppliers are required meet water quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The suppliers must conduct frequent tests (daily, monthly) to monitor water quality, and notify the public of any violations. Contact your local public water supplier for more information about specific tests. Because of the rigorous water testing and treatment, public water supplies are usually more reliable than private wells. Private well owners are not required to meet water quality standards.

 

5. If I live on a farm, how can I get my water tested?

If you live in Ida County, call the Ida County Sanitarian at 712-364-2124. In Iowa, rural well water tests are free of charge, and results are known in 7-10 days.