Iowa Water Advocates Threaten Lawsuit Over Polluted Rivers

Coalition plans to sue EPA over decision to remove polluted waterways from protected list

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A coalition of clean water advocates in Iowa has announced plans to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its handling of polluted rivers, lakes, and streams in the state. The EPA had initially listed six Iowa waterways as protected, but reversed that decision in July 2025, removing them from the state's Impaired Waters List.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental groups, government regulators, and agricultural interests over water quality standards and enforcement in Iowa. The EPA's decision to remove protections for polluted waterways has alarmed clean water advocates, who argue the move endangers public health and the environment.

The details

The coalition, which includes Food and Water Watch and the Iowa Environmental Council, filed its intent to sue the EPA within 60 days if the agency does not act to restore protections for the affected waterways. These include segments of the Cedar River, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Raccoon River, and South Skunk River. The EPA has said it is considering tighter standards for Iowa's drinking water, but has not moved to protect the polluted rivers and streams.

  • The EPA initially listed six Iowa streams as protected in 2024.
  • In July 2025, the EPA reversed its decision and removed the waterways from Iowa's Impaired Waters List.
  • The coalition filed its intent to sue the EPA within 60 days if the agency does not act to restore protections.

The players

Food and Water Watch

A non-profit organization that advocates for clean water and sustainable food systems.

Iowa Environmental Council

A non-profit organization that works to protect Iowa's natural resources, including its waterways.

Dani Replogle

A staff attorney with Food and Water Watch.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing environmental regulations, including water quality standards.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Iowa's natural resources, including its waterways.

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What they’re saying

“These are stream segments in the Cedar River, the Des Moines River, the Iowa River, the Raccoon and South Skunk.”

— Dani Replogle, Staff Attorney, Food and Water Watch (Public News Service)

“There are water quality standards that are set to protect the health and environment in Iowa, and these standards are being regularly exceeded. And EPA, for no rational reason, decided that wasn't important enough to take action on.”

— Dani Replogle, Staff Attorney, Food and Water Watch (Public News Service)

What’s next

The coalition has filed its intent to sue the EPA within 60 days if the agency does not act to restore protections for the polluted waterways in Iowa.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental groups, government regulators, and agricultural interests over water quality standards and enforcement in Iowa. The EPA's decision to remove protections for polluted waterways has alarmed clean water advocates, who argue the move endangers public health and the environment, and are now threatening legal action to force the agency to reconsider its decision.