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safe, abundant source of drinking water is often taken for granted in this country. As interest in Iowa's water quality grows, the need for preserving valuable drinking water resources becomes more evident. The Battle Creek Watershed Project helps protect and improve these water resources impacted by agricultural nonpoint source pollutants.

The water supply for many of Ida County's rural residents comes from shallow "water table" wells that draw from unconfined aquifers. These wells are highly vulnerable to nonpoint source pollution by nutrients and chemicals leaching from the surface. Well water quality tests show excessive levels of nitrate-N, and frequent detections of coliform bacteria and pesticides. Since groundwater provides the entire county with drinking water, protecting these resources is crucial.