IA DNR: Nonpoint

Iowa DNR, Watershed Improvement

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Definition of Terms

water quality standards:
defined by Iowa Administrative Rules on the basis of general use and designated uses for surface waters in the state. General uses include livestock and wildlife watering, aquatic life, recreation without surface water contact, crop irrigation, and industrial, agricultural and other incidental water uses. Designated uses are grouped into 3 categories: Class A includes surface waters where body contact for recreation occurs (swimming, etc.); Class B identifies uses that ensure expected growth and reproduction of aquatic life will occur and also supports non-contact recreational uses such as wading while fishing; Class C identifies waters that will serve as a raw source for public drinking water supplies.

waterbodies:
bodies of water that are seen on the surface of the land such as lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, some wetlands, oceans, etc.

impaired:
In Iowa, impaired waters are generally those waters which are only partially supporting or not supporting their designated uses (as defined in water quality standards rules).

surface water:
water that is seen on the surface of the land such as lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, some wetlands, oceans, etc.

groundwater:
subsurface or underground water (water in the ground) that occupies the pores, fractures, or other openings within earth materials such as soil, rock, etc.

loading:
the amount of a pollutant a waterbody receives in a certain amount of time.

watershed:
all the land (and everything on it) that drains into a stream or lake; a drainage basin.

Conservation Practices/Best Management Practices (BMPs):
practices (structures or activities) that are considered to be some of the best ways of managing a problem. Best management practices that help control nonpoint source pollution in agricultural areas include things like installation of ponds, terraces, buffer strips around lakes and streams, grassed waterways, stabilization of streambanks, etc. BMPs can also include better management of agricultural resources such as using no-till on cropland, proper nutrient and pest management, proper pasture management, timber stand improvement, etc.

Examples of BMPs in urban areas include:
reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides in residential lawn care, keeping grass clippings and fertilizers off sidewalks and streets, planting "water gardens" in the yard to collect rain runoff from rooftops and driveways, etc.

Examples of BMPs for construction sites include:
clearing only the area of land immediately needed for construction; installation of silt fences; adequate ground cover (such as grass or oats) for bare or disturbed soil, etc.

Section 319:
Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Section 319 program, provides states with grants to implement NPS pollution control programs and projects.

DNR Contact
Steve Hopkins
DNR Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov

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