Iowa House Bill HSB657

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/3/26

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the department of natural resources to identify specific animal sources of pollutants to a water of the state when determining the water's inclusion on a list of impaired waters.(See HF 2530.)

Impact

The implementation of HSB657 is expected to enhance the state’s regulatory framework regarding water quality and pollution sources. By requiring a detailed analysis of animal contributions to water impairment, the bill could lead to more targeted pollution control measures. This may include regulations affecting agricultural practices and waste management, directly impacting farmers and livestock producers by potentially necessitating changes in how animal waste is managed to comply with water quality standards.

Summary

House Study Bill 657 mandates that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must identify specific animal sources of pollutants when determining whether a water body should be included on the impaired waters list. This measure aims to provide a more precise understanding of pollution sources, particularly in relation to fecal bacteria. The bill seeks to amend existing water quality statute by ensuring that before a water body is placed on the Section 303(d) list, an analysis is conducted to designate the percentage contributions of different animal species to the impairment.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders, including agricultural groups who may be concerned about the implications of potential regulatory scrutiny. Critics may argue that such requirements could impose additional burdens on farmers and may not fully consider the complexities of water pollution sources, which can also include non-animal contributions. Therefore, the balance between environmental protection and agricultural interests will likely be a significant point of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.