Iowa would expand groundwater monitoring sites under House bill

The Iowa Geological Survey would expand the number of wells where it can monitor groundwater and aquifer resources under a bill that advanced Tuesday from an Iowa House subcommittee.

Rep. Jason Gearhart, R-Strawberry Point, said he introduced House File 2117 after a conversation with the state geology survey revealed that groundwater is currently monitored across the state in about 60 wells, a number the bill says is “insufficient to represent the diversity of Iowa’s aquifers.”

Rather than install “costly” new dedicated groundwater monitoring wells, the bill calls for retrofitting existing private wells in a partnership with the geological survey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The bill would allocate $100,000 from the state’s general fund to operate a pilot program during the 2026-2027 fiscal year to retrofit up to 100 existing wells. Private well owners and businesses would voluntarily opt in to the program, and would not be expected to pay for the costs associated with retrofitting the wells for monitoring.

HF 2117 was supported by environmental groups, water utilities and the Iowa State Association of Counties.

Jamie Cashman, speaking on behalf of the counties’ association, said “protecting Iowa’s water resources” is a top priority for the association.

“Especially what we’re seeing in terms of the tremendous demand for water with the amount of data centers that are popping up all over,” Cashman said. “This study is needed now more than ever.”

Rural Iowa communities have also struggled with tapped-out groundwater supplies that have led to regular water conservation orders and boil orders in the summer months.

Pam Mackey-Taylor with the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club, also spoke in favor of the bill and said there is “no question” that there is increased demand on groundwater in the state and that there is a need to better understand the capacity of the aquifers in Iowa.

The bill was unanimously supported by the subcommittee members. Rep. Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City, said the bill created a “limited” pilot program with a “reasonable amount of money.”

“I hope that we can see the success and build on this in the future,” Levin said.