Iowa House Bill HF2117

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

A bill for an act relating to groundwater monitoring in the state, including the establishment of a pilot program, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2687.)

Impact

The bill allocates $100,000 from the state's general fund for the fiscal years 2026-2027 for the establishment and administration of the groundwater monitoring expansion program. The funds will be used for procuring certified equipment, installation, program evaluation, and telemetry data integration. Importantly, any unencumbered funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain available for expenditure until the end of fiscal year 2028-2029. This long-term funding mechanism underscores the state's commitment to improving its groundwater monitoring infrastructure, providing critical data that can influence water management decisions.

Summary

House File 2117, relating to groundwater monitoring in Iowa, introduces a pilot program aimed at enhancing the state's groundwater monitoring capabilities. The legislative findings emphasize the significance of Iowa's groundwater resources for essential needs such as drinking water, agriculture, and economic activities. Currently, the Iowa geological survey monitors a limited number of wells, highlighting the necessity for expanded monitoring to ensure effective resource management and public health protection. The proposed pilot program seeks to retrofit up to 100 existing wells owned by private entities with modern monitoring equipment, thus promoting a more comprehensive examination of groundwater levels across the state.

Contention

Participation in the retrofitting program is voluntary and mandates the written consent of property owners, which may invoke discussions on property rights versus environmental responsibilities. It sets specific standards for the installation and ensures that monitoring data is securely transmitted to the Iowa geological survey for aggregation and analysis. Moreover, the bill requires accountability through a report that assesses data quality, system reliability, and cost efficiency, and outlines recommendations for potential statewide expansion by December 31, 2028. The bill's repeal scheduled for July 1, 2029, is a point of discussion that may lead to debates on the need for continuation or modification of the program depending on its outcomes.