ICYMI: Water Quality Elevated to Top Issue in Iowa Midterms 

Des Moines, IA – Iowa’s water crisis has reached a political tipping point, and Republicans up and down the ballot will have to answer for the Trump administration’s actions that are making the problem worse. Trump’s EPA has scrapped key air and water protections, worsening health impacts and allowing toxic coal ash, PFAS, and nitrates to pollute Iowa’s groundwater.

Politico: Poisoned Water Is Turning This Rural State Bluer

Voters are steaming mad, and candidates on both sides of the political aisle are pointing fingers at Big Ag — and winning. 

Iowa’s water problem — and the political reckoning it’s triggering — has been building for years. 

Climate Power: July 2026 Poll Shows Iowa Voters Concerned About Water Pollution 

The following research, using data collected between May 29 and June 2, 2026, paints a picture of an electorate that is deeply concerned about pollution causing health problems, with particular concerns around contaminated air and water, as well as corporations polluting with impunity.

Voters primarily view the government — not individuals or corporations — as responsible for protecting their health, including clean air and water. Asked who bears the greatest

responsibility for protecting clean air and water, voters are most likely to say either the federal or state/local governments (32% each), followed by corporations (14%) and individuals/consumers (11%). This is notable given Republicans control all branches of the government at the moment.

These patterns hold among swing voters in Arizona, Iowa, and Michigan: they are overwhelmingly concerned about pollution as a public health issue, and they view it as the government’s responsibility to provide protections for our air and water. 

Iowa Capitol Dispatch: Iowa Had Twice the Drinking Water Violations for Nitrate in 2025 as in 2024

A report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows Iowa had 36 nitrate-related drinking water violations in 2025, which is more than double the number reported in 2024.  

According to the 2025 report, nitrate contaminant levels above the EPA limit was the most common health-based standard violated by public water supply systems. The 36 violations occurred at 13 systems and impacted a total of 2,479 customers, according to the report. Violations of nitrate accounted for 41% of the total 87 violations of heath-based standards. 

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