Various organizations supporting water quality sensors in Dubuque County

A coalition of Dubuque area government entities and local nonprofits are coming together to support the placement of water quality sensors on rivers and streams in their region. The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District, and Dubuque Area Water Land and Legacy are contributing funds to support sensors on Lytle Creek, Whitewater Creek, and the Little Maquoketa River. The Friends of Jackson County Conservation organization and Dubuque Area Water Land and Legacy, will fund a sensor on the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. The sensors are part of the statewide water quality network operated by Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa. The sensors will gather data every 15 minutes and display the information on an online platform, the Iowa Water Quality Information System (IWQIS). The sensor data inform critical decision-making to ensure that water is safe for drinking, recreation, and other uses