How do wetlands improve Iowa water quality?

Clean water matters to every Iowa family. That’s why Iowa farmers, landowners and conservation partners are building wetlands to help improve water quality in streams and rivers.

Wetlands work as natural filters. They slow water down, giving plants, soil and naturally occurring microbes time to trap and break down nutrients before the water moves downstream.

In the right location, wetlands can reduce nitrates in water flowing from cropland by up to 90%, according to Iowa State University (ISU) research.

Since the early 2000s, Iowa farmers have helped restore 140 water quality wetlands. Over 90 new wetland construction projects are also planned across the state for 2026 and beyond, reports the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Wetlands support Iowa’s wildlife

The same wetlands that help filter water also provide habitat for native wildlife, including swans, rare turtles, marsh birds and reptiles.

In 2025, Iowa was home to a record 158 nesting pairs of trumpeter swans, up 17% from 2022, reports the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

And these swans aren’t in remote areas. Many Iowa wetlands are built on the edge of working fields, so the swans are nesting close to where farmers plant, grow and harvest.

Wetlands are one important tool, but improving water quality takes many practices in many places. Iowa farmers have a personal stake in this work. They drink the same water, raise their families here and are part of long-term efforts to keep improving Iowa’s rivers, streams and drinking water sources.

To learn more about water quality wetlands and how they work, visit conservationcountsiowa.com.