This bill establishes a pilot program aimed at expanding groundwater monitoring in Iowa, recognizing the critical role of groundwater resources for drinking water, agriculture, and economic vitality. The Iowa geological survey currently monitors a limited number of wells, and the bill proposes retrofitting up to 100 existing wells owned by private entities with modern monitoring equipment as a cost-effective solution to enhance the monitoring network. The program will be funded with an appropriation of $100,000 from the state’s general fund for the fiscal year 2026-2027, with provisions ensuring that any unspent funds remain available until the end of fiscal year 2028-2029.

The pilot program will require voluntary participation from well owners, who must provide written consent for retrofitting. The Iowa geological survey will guide the Department of Natural Resources in selecting sites and evaluating data, prioritizing wells that represent diverse aquifers. The bill sets standards for installation and monitoring equipment, mandates secure data transmission to the survey, and allows well owners access to their monitoring data. A report detailing the program's outcomes, including the number of retrofitted wells and recommendations for statewide expansion, is due by December 31, 2028. The program is set to be repealed on July 1, 2029, and the bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.33