New University of Iowa Study Uses NASA Earth Observations to Advance Nitrate Forecasting and Support Public Water Supply Management

A new University of Iowa research initiative aims to develop a forecasting and early-warning system for nitrate in Iowa's rivers and streams. The effort will integrate NASA Earth-observing satellite data with Iowa's extensive network of precipitation, groundwater, and water quality monitoring systems to achieve its goal.

IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) leads the project in collaboration with the cities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and the utility Des Moines Water Works. The new initiative will develop a Nitrate Forecasting and Early Warning System (NFEWS), a framework for near-real-time water quality monitoring to support effective planning and decision-making.

Tom Stoeffler, IIHR research scientist, demonstrates a water quality sensor. Photo credit: Nick Rohlman, The Gazette.

The program will leverage the state's water quality monitoring network, including 60 real-time stations managed and operated by IIHR. The project will develop and test a new AI model that uses NASA satellite imagery and ground-based data to detect patterns and track changes in water quality over time, even in areas with limited measurements.

"Iowans are rightfully concerned about the water quality in their communities, and I am honored to lead this new research initiative that will develop data-driven solutions and provide real-world impact," said Jesus Gomez-Velez, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and project leader. "I'm thankful to work alongside our community partners to develop these predictive tools, which we hope to expand to other communities across the state, and even beyond."

The Iowa Water Quality Information System displaying nitrate conditions at water quality sensor locations after subsequent rainfall events.

The NFEWS model will be integrated into the Iowa Water Quality Information System (IWQIS) web application, making information easily accessible to communities and decision-makers to support planning and daily operations, reduce the risk of nitrate levels that exceed health standards, and provide timely alerts for elevated nitrate levels. This three-year project will function as a pilot to evaluate its capabilities and inform future integration and expansion within water management operations.

IIHR's water quality monitoring network, which supports this work, has been in operation for more than a decade, collecting critical data and providing transparent, publicly accessible information to researchers, landowners, policymakers, and communities through IWQIS.

In recent years, state and federal budget cuts have impacted the network. Financial support from Linn, Johnson, and Polk counties is sustaining the network in part, reflecting the value it provides to their communities.

"We are grateful for the chance to take part in this research effort. The support from NASA gives us an opportunity to strengthen how we monitor water quality and prepare for changing conditions. This partnership helps us bring useful, timely information to our community and supports the work we do every day to protect our water resources," said Roy Hesemann, utilities director for Cedar Rapids.

"Trust is the foundation of public drinking water. Through this partnership, we can offer residents transparent, real-time water quality data, which help build that trust and keep our community informed," said Jonathan Durst, water superintendent for Iowa City.

"Providing safe drinking water begins with understanding what's happening day to day in our rivers. Just as meteorologists use data to forecast the weather, water operators rely on data to anticipate how river conditions will change. Because river conditions are influenced by both the weather and activities across the landscape, it can be difficult to predict what water quality challenges our treatment plants will face on any given day. This initiative will give water utilities a system that helps us anticipate changing conditions in water sources and make more informed operational decisions for treatment. We're excited to support research that puts science to work for our customers and communities across Iowa," said Amy Kahler, CEO and general manager of Des Moines Water Works.

High nitrate levels pose significant risks to human health, the environment, and Iowa's economy. Nitrate contamination in drinking water has been linked to serious health concerns, including adverse outcomes for newborns and increased risks of certain cancers and thyroid conditions. Excess nitrates in waterways can deplete oxygen, creating "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive, which affects outdoor recreation and tourism.

As nitrate levels in Iowa continue to exceed federal drinking water standards in many areas, communities face the responsibility-and the financial burden-of removing nitrates from their water supplies.

"We need to address the water quality in our state," said Gomez-Velez. "I'm hopeful this new research initiative will help water managers assess risks and make science-informed decisions to promote more effective, targeted water management strategies."

ABOUT IIHR: IIHR is a world-renowned center in the UI College of Engineering focusing on fluids-related education, research, and public service. The 106-year-old research institute is dedicated to advancing science and technology to provide innovative solutions to complex fluids-related challenges.

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