Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism (https://iowawatch.org/tag/nitrates/)
While Iowa takes most of the blame, nutrient loading of Great Plains waterways that flow into the Missouri River, then to the Mississippi River and eventually to the Gulf of Mexico are causing a literal dead zone in the Gulf that is steadily increasing in size.
Some evidence suggests that long-term ingestion of drinking water with nitrates at just half that federal limit can prove dangerous to children and adults alike, potentially raising the risk of bladder, thyroid, kidney, ovarian and colon cancers. Iowa is part of the story.
Knowing where your water comes from is one thing. Knowing what is in your water is another. Three of Cedar Falls’ wells – 3, 9 and 10 – consistently have recorded high nitrate levels.