Iowa’s nitrate levels have hit historic highs, forcing lawn watering bans, swim advisories, and costly cleanups. A new report — the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) — confirms what many Iowans already know: agriculture is driving the problem, and solutions can’t wait.

So what can you do about a challenge this big?

In this episode, host Beth Hoffman sits down with Dr. Adam Shriver, Director of Wellness and Nutrition at the Harkin Institute and leader with the Iowa Food System Coalition, to break down four concrete steps we can all start taking today.

💡 The acronym is IDEA:

* Inform — Learn the facts about water quality and share them in your community. Join groups already working on solutions.

* Discover — Use free nitrate test kits to map water contamination through citizen science.

* Eat — Support diverse, local farms by buying food directly from farmers and food hubs. Every purchase builds viable markets for change.

* Ask — Landowners: include conservation practices in leases to protect soil and water for the long term.

These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re real actions that create momentum for cleaner water, healthier communities, and stronger farms.

🔗 Resources

* CISWRA Report

* Executive Summary

* Additional Resources & Recordings

* Izaak Walton League – Nitrate Watch program

* Request a Kit

* Iowa Food System Coalition

* Setting the Table for All Iowans plan

* Environmental Stewardship Chapter

* Water Quality Groups

* Practical Farmers of Iowa

* Iowa Farmers Union

* Iowa CCI

* Iowa Environmental Council

📬 Got an IDEA of your own? Share it with us! What’s happening in your corner of Iowa that can inspire others to keep going?

Stay in the Loop

Stay connected to the latest in Iowa's food system news. Subscribe to our newsletter for timely news, action alerts, and event updates, all focused on supporting local farms and communities. Sign up today and never miss a bite!

Thank you to Adam Shriver. Mallory DeVries edited. Meghan Holloran assisted media production. Music by Chris Schwartz and Lobo Loco.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit attheiowafarmtable.substack.com