The bill mandates that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must conduct a detailed analysis before placing any water on the section 303(d) list due to levels of fecal indicator bacteria. Specifically, the DNR is required to use methods such as microbial source tracking to identify and quantify the contributions of various animal species to the water impairment. This new requirement aims to enhance the understanding of pollution sources and improve water quality management.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the inclusion of this analysis does not imply agreement with its substance by the members of the General Assembly. This legislative change aligns with the federal Clean Water Act, which necessitates states to maintain water quality standards and prioritize impaired waters based on pollutant levels. The DNR's responsibility to compile a list of impaired waters every two years remains, but now with the added obligation to specify the animal sources contributing to fecal bacteria pollution.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.195