Example of a hog waste lagoon. This photo is at Hopkins Ridge Farms in Iroquois County, Ill. With 23 … More
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In the heartland of America, Iowa stands as a testament to agricultural prowess, leading the nation in pork production. With approximately 23 million hogs, the state produces an astonishing 109 billion pounds of manure annually. That is 25 times more waste than its human population generates. While this industry bolsters the state’s economy, it also presents a significant environmental challenge, safeguarding the water quality for its 3 million residents. There are millions with no clean water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established to protect human health and the environment, plays a crucial role in regulating pollutants. However, recent policy shifts and declines in enforcement have raised concerns about the agency’s effectiveness, particularly in rural areas like Iowa.
Millions With No Clean Water, The Scale of the Problem
Iowa’s dominance in hog farming is unparalleled. The state’s factory farms have seen a 78% increase in waste production over the past two decades. Ninety-five percent of Iowa’s counties produce more animal manure than human waste, leading to a concentration of pollutants that threaten local water sources.
The impact on water quality is alarming. More than 6,600 private wells in Iowa have nitrate levels exceeding the EPA’s safe limit of 10 mg/L, while over 12,300 wells register nitrate levels at or above 5 mg/L. Studies have linked long-term exposure to nitrates, even below federal limits, to increased risks of colorectal, bladder, and ovarian cancers, as well as birth defects.
Despite the growing environmental concerns, EPA enforcement actions have declined significantly. Between FY 1999–2000 and FY 2001–2003, enforcement actions against Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) decreased by 52%. In 2016, the EPA conducted only 17 enforcement actions against CAFOs, a stark decrease from previous years.
The repercussions extend beyond environmental degradation. Nitrate contamination in U.S. drinking water is estimated to cause up to 12,594 cancer cases annually, with associated healthcare costs reaching $1.5 billion. For rural communities, the financial burden of water treatment and healthcare expenses is substantial, often without adequate support.
Stock image of tap water testing. (Photo by Alain BUU/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Consequences of Having Millions With No Clean Water
The consequences of weakened oversight are not limited to agriculture. In a recent case involving groundwater pollution from coal ash, the Iowa Environmental Council joined other advocacy groups to hold utilities accountable under the Clean Water Act. “No one is allowed to have uncontrolled discharges of pollution into Iowa’s waters, and Alliant Energy is no exception,” said Michael Schmidt, General Counsel for the Iowa Environmental Council. “The Clean Water Act specifically restricts this type of pollution to protect our waters from dangerous chemicals.”
Recent policy overhauls have further complicated the situation. In 2025, the EPA launched significant deregulation efforts, which critics argue have weakened environmental protections and enforcement capabilities. These changes have sparked debates about the agency’s commitment to safeguarding rural communities from industrial pollutants.
Iowa’s reputation as an agricultural powerhouse overshadows the very real pollution and public health challenges posed by inadequate waste management and declining regulatory enforcement. As nitrate contamination threatens the well-being of rural residents, there is an urgent need for policymakers to reimagine the EPA’s role in protecting these communities. Ensuring clean water should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for all Americans, regardless of their zip code.
