With 71,665 miles of streams and rivers and more than 161,000 acres of lakes, ponds and wetlands, it seems as if Iowa is rich in water resources. However, less than one percent of the state's land area is covered with water. It is vital that this limited resource, both above and below ground, be protected from pollution and available for Iowans to use for drinking water, recreation and industries.

Protecting the safety of Iowans and the quality of Iowa's waters are the two main goals of DNR's water quality bureau. The bureau sets standards for the quality of our surface waters; issues permits to limit pollution; provides technical assistance and training to communities, industries and homeowners; and even provides funding for projects that will enhance water quality.

When an emergency such as flooding occurs, the bureau assists federal, state, and local authorities to protect public safety and provide disaster aid.

Many of Iowa’s programs are based upon federal laws administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In these cases the federal government has delegated responsibility for implementing those programs to the DNR.