DES MOINES, IOWA (October 6, 2026) — As clean water challenges continue to escalate across Iowa’s lakes, rivers, and drinking-water systems, a growing coalition of concerned Iowans and organizations are calling on state legislators and candidates to support funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.
In 2010, 63% of Iowa voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the Trust, establishing a permanent, dedicated revenue stream for water quality, soil conservation, habitat protection, and local park enhancements. However, sixteen years later, the Trust remains empty because the necessary 3/8ths-of-a-cent sales tax increase required to activate it has yet to be implemented.
“As water-quality concerns continue to dominate headlines, we have a constitutional approved fund tool sitting idle while our water quality challenges escalate. The blueprint was drawn by the voters, the need to capitalize the fund has never been greater and the time to act is right now," said Kirk Leeds, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association.
“Iowans are making it clear that they demand clearer water, farmers are standing ready to implement the tools provided by the Trust.”
With escalating nitrate levels and alarming cancer rates in Iowa, growing public health concerns have brought Iowa’s water quality to a critical crossroads. If funded, the majority of Trust Fund dollars would go toward water-quality improvement projects, including lake restoration, soil and water protection, and enhanced flood-protection efforts. The Trust Fund emphasizes sustainable agriculture and would aid farmers and land-owners in adopting voluntary conservation practices outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These water-quality investments would also spur economic development, help with rural revitalization, and aid in public health.
Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (IWILL) is a broad-based coalition ranging from conservationists and sports-persons to farmers and business leaders who all believe cleaning Iowa’s water and soil, and enhancing our habitat, will strengthen our economy and communities and improve quality of life.
For more information about IWILL and how to get involved, visit iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org.
