Near-record nitrate levels in Des Moines, Iowa-area rivers threaten drinking water
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Local officials warned more than half a million Iowans in the state's capital city and suburbs on Thursday that near-record level of pollutants in its rivers could make drinking water dangerous if immediate steps are not taken to reduce demand.
But the officials declined to explain what they believe has caused the surge in nitrate levels, which has historically been tied to runoff from farmland draining into Des Moines-area rivers.
The water utility, Central Iowa Water Works, issued a first-ever ban on lawn watering for the region after seeing the highest levels of nitrates in the river water since 2013. Federal regulations require a maximum nitrate level of 10 milligrams per liter. The current level being provided to 600,000 customers is 9, local officials said.
'If we end up in a space where we're well over that … threshold, we're really going to start worrying about our pregnant women and our children under the age of six months,' said Juliann Van Liew, public health director for Polk County.
Van Liew warned that could drinking water with too-high levels of nitrate could potentially cause birth defects and a condition when an infant's blood doesn't have enough oxygen, commonly known as blue baby syndrome.
Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works, said it is not unusual to see an increase given Iowa's 'nitrate seasons' but noted this year has been unusually high. Still, she deferred on an explanation of what is driving the higher rates.
'Unfortunately, this is a first and this is not history that anyone should be proud of,' Madsen said of the ban on lawn watering.
She urged cooperation. 'If we continue on the path we're on today, where people are still choosing to water their lawn over producing water that meets safe drinking water standards, we'll be back here to talk to you all about a violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act,' Madsen said.
Officials made clear the water currently meets regulations and is safe to drink. But while the water utility works to treat the water to reduce nitrate pollutants to a safe level, Des Moines metro residents' demand is higher than the amount they are able to treat. The utility said it has been treating water for 55 days, at a cost of between $14,000 and $16,000 a day.
In the past, the high cost to Des Moines and the rest of Polk County has led officials to go to farmers directly, to the statehouse and to court in a tug-of-war with the state's dominant agricultural industry. The officials have long complained that nitrates and phosphorous from farm fertilizers pour off fields, leaving rivers so polluted that even the utility's sophisticated and costly equipment can't keep up with purifying.
In 2015, the utility took the issue to court to ask for the millions of dollars it was being forced to spend to filter unsafe levels from drinking water taken from the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. A judge ultimately dismissed the lawsuit against three northwest Iowa counties, ruling the issue was one for the Legislature to address.
The state's Republican leaders at the time lauded the ruling, saying the lawsuit wasn't necessary to improve water quality because farmers and government subdivisions already are taking steps to ensure water quality.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
42 minutes ago
- Medscape
EULAR 2025
Updated SSc Recommendations Use 'Therapeutic Continuums' The recommendations highlighted the use of immunosuppressive agents and antifibrotics to treat skin fibrosis and lung fibrosis, as well as changes to upfront treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Medscape Medical News , Jun 26, 2024 Updated SSc Recommendations Use 'Therapeutic Continuums' New Gout Drugs Might Increase Patients at Target Urate Level New options in late stages of clinical testing for refractory gout promise to increase the chances of reaching the guideline uric acid target with relatively modest risks for adverse events. Medscape Medical News , Aug 01, 2024 New Gout Drugs Might Increase Patients at Target Urate Level Taper, Dose Down, Discontinue: Striving for Less Steroid Use Now in the 75th year since the first presentation on the clinical use of glucocorticoids, what consensus has been reached in sparing their use to avoid their many potential adverse effects? Medscape Medical News, Jul 25, 2024
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
RFK Jr. Spreads Disinformation To Congress. Here's What That Means For Public Health
Under Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the HHS sent a document to Congress defending their stance on removing COVID-19 recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. The problem? Many of the studies cited in the document are taken out of context, unpublished or are under dispute. As an example, the HHS document cites a study and states the study found 'an increase in placental blood clotting in pregnant mothers who took the (COVID-19) vaccine.' However, the study makes no references to placental blood clots in pregnant females. In addition, the HHS document also cites additional studies to support the claim that the COVID-19 vaccine can be dangerous to pregnant women, but the studies mentioned actually support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. There are several other instances of questionable citations and unpublished studies cited. But what does this all mean for public health and policy going forward? The majority of Congress are not scientists and may not have the expertise to recognize false citations or mischaracterized findings from studies. However, proper citations to substantiate claims that will undoubtedly affect public policy should not be optional- it is critical to ensure the health and well-being of all Americans. If studies that are misinterpreted or unpublished without peer-review are being used to justify public policy for the general public, then the recommendations should not be upheld because they are not grounded in evidence or real facts. If the recommendations are upheld, as may be the case for COVID-19 vaccines not being recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, less Americans will have access to life-saving vaccines and Americans will get sicker. Remember, COVID-19 vaccines were responsible for saving more than 14 million lives, according to research, and this includes the lives of children and pregnant women. Policies and recommendations not based on science and evidence also open the door for the promotion of fringe theories that have no basis in facts or science. If vaccines are not promoted by the federal government, vaccine hesitancy soars and more people will opt out of getting vaccinated or may not have access to getting vaccines even if they desire it since insurance coverage for vaccines is largely dependent on endorsement from the federal government and government-based advisory committees. Lower uptake of vaccines means more infectious disease outbreaks and cases rising throughout the country, just as is occurring currently with whooping cough and measles. Currently, well over 1,000 cases of measles have been documented throughout America, largely fueled by vaccine hesitancy and decreased vaccination rates among children. Deeper than just the health and public health effects is the strained trust for science that will continue to pervade the United States. If agencies like HHS and the CDC are viewed as politicizing decisions to promote various agendas of those in power, the public will become skeptical of following important health guidelines for public health issues. Without trust and transparency in public health, parents and Americans cannot make informed decisions to uphold their health. Public health depends on trust, and trust is built on evidence-based recommendations that have been shown to benefit society, not theories that cannot be substantiated. RFK Jr. promised 'radical transparency' as well as gold-standard science. This would be impossible to accomplish by sending documents to lawmakers that are filled with unpublished studies and citations that are completely misinterpreted. Gold-standard science is based on facts, evidence and rigorous peer-review, all noticeably absent from the document the HHS sent to Congress. Public health cannot survive in a world where misinformation comes from the top.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The 10 Best Baby Shampoos Parents And Experts Love
There aren't many things better than a clean, snuggly baby. The best baby shampoo is gentle on their skin, which is often achieved by leaving out irritating ingredients and incorporating moisturizing, soothing elements. Our top pick, Cerave Baby Wash And Shampoo, is free from harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrance, and includes gentle cleansing agents like coco-betaine and sodium cocoyl glycinate. The best baby shampoos cleanse while being gentle on their hair and skin. Other factors to consider when shopping for baby shampoo include allergens and whether the shampoo is tear-free. 'Their top skin layer, called the stratum corneum, is still developing. That makes it more susceptible to issues such as dryness, rashes or irritation from things such as chemicals or harsh soaps,' says dermatologist Dr. David Johnson. Many baby shampoos double as body washes, making it even more important to find something gentle on their skin. Since different babies have different needs, I spoke to four dermatologists and drew upon my own experience as a mom of three to curate a list of the best baby shampoos for every kind of baby skin. Amazon I've tested many baby shampoos, and Cerave stands out as a top pick because it's so clean and gentle. It doesn't contain any parabens, sulfates or fragrance. It also has gentle cleansing ingredients, including coco-betaine and sodium cocoyl glycinate, which pediatric dermatologist Dr. Daniela Russi recommends, along with three ceramides, which can help protect your baby's sensitive skin barrier. I can attest that the tear-free claim is true for this shampoo—it has never bothered my kids' eyes. This is also a good pick for babies with eczema, as it's accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA). Amazon Baby Dove was the first shampoo I used with my first baby, and it never irritated her eczema-prone skin. It's fragrance-free, and I really like that the back of the bottle breaks down each ingredient along with its purporse so you know you're not putting unnecessary ingredients on your baby's skin. It's free from sulfates, phthalates and parabens and it's also accepted by the NEA. After using this shampoo, my baby's hair was always super soft and clean. Amazon I often hear Eucerin recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists as a top choice, particularly for kids with sensitive skin. This shampoo contains Vitamin B5 and shea butter, both of which are known to help moisturize and even repair and soothe damaged skin. It's fragrance-, dye- and tear-free. These factors make it a great choice to try for babies who have extra sensitive skin or who may not have reacted well to other baby shampoos with artificial dyes or fragrances in them. Amazon Another baby shampoo I use with my kids in heavy rotation, Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash And Shampoo leaves their hair super soft and doesn't irritate their sensitive skin. The oat extract is a great addition, helping to moisturize and relieve the itchiness that often accompanies dry skin. The tear-free formula has never bothered my kids' eyes. The shampoo is free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It's worth noting that it is lightly scented—so if you're looking for something completely fragrance-free, check out some of our other top picks. Amazon For some babies, cradle cap can be difficult to control. Though the condition isn't typically harmful and eventually resolves on its own, shampoos and special tools can help you get rid of it faster. Unlike most baby shampoos, Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo For Newborns is designed to gently exfoliate your baby's scalp to get rid of those flakes. It also uses avocado polyphenols to soften the flakes on your baby's scalp. Since it's tear-free, you can also use it on your baby's eyebrows, another common spot where cradle cap pops up. The fragrance-free shampoo is also paraben- and phthalate-free. Amazon For babies with eczema, you want something that isn't going to strip away moisture and make their skin even more dry and itchy. 'Vanicream's line of baby products are all gentle and hydrating, as well as soothing for eczema-prone skin or skin that's already irritated,' says dermatologist Dr. Rachel Day. It has a very small list of ingredients, which is helpful because the more ingredients, the more likely there will be something in the product that will irritate your baby's skin. Vanicream Foaming Wash For Baby is free from dyes, fragrances, lanolin, paraben, botanical extracts, formaldehyde releasers and gluten. Amazon Many pediatricians and dermatologists recommend fragrance-free shampoos for babies to reduce the risk of irritation. However, some parents prefer products that smell really good. Alaffia Babies And Kids Shampoo And Body Wash smells so delicious, I want to eat it—though, obviously, don't do that. There are three scents available: coconut strawberry, coconut chamomile and lemon lavender. It's free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil and artificial colors. It's also made without synthetic fragrance, so while it has a scent, it's less likely to irritate your baby's skin compared to an artificial fragrance. Parents should note that due to some of the ingredients like alcohol and phenoxyethanol, there's a chance it could dry or irritate baby's skin. None of my three kids have ever reacted poorly to it, and they all loved the smell. Tubby Todd Bath Co. When I've used Tubby Todd shampoo with my kids, it has always lathered well and left their skin soft. Their hair and body wash is available fragrance-free or with a lavender and rosemary scent. They also occasionally offer limited-edition seasonal scents. Some parents love lavender to help their kids wind down for bed and find the scent very soothing. The shampoo is free from sodium lauryl sulfate, gluten, dairy, synthetic fragrances, parabens and steroids. To me, it feels extra soothing and effective because it's able to create the suds that many other baby shampoos can't while still being gentle. 'My youngest had mild eczema as a baby and this was our go-to baby shampoo. It's super mild and smells great,' says Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor Esther Carlstone. Though this is a pricier option, the brand offers refill pouches that can help save both money and plastic. Walmart Pipette Baby Shampoo And Wash is an eco-friendly option that's Environmental Working Group (EWG)-verified. This certification ensures transparency and helps parents feel confident that the ingredients in the shampoo are safe. 'It will wash and cleanse the skin with hydrating ingredients like squalane without drying or causing irritation. This entire brand is great for babies' skin,' says dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon. You can choose from fragrance-free, vanilla and ylang-ylang or sweet wildflower scents. All of the scents are derived from plants, so there aren't any synthetic fragrances. When I've used this shampoo with my kids in the past, I've noticed a natural or musky smell—even with the fragrance-free version. Amazon This EWG-verified shampoo is so natural that it's made of 100% edible ingredients. Babies often don't understand that they need to keep their mouth closed when there's soap or shampoo running down their face, and when they become toddlers, they'll probably drink bath water like it's a delicacy. While we don't advise eating shampoo, knowing it's full of familiar ingredients like oats, arugula, radish and coconut oil, may give you some peace of mind. The shampoo doesn't have any sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances, either. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is made up of journalists and parents who know how important it is to choose the right products for your baby's skin. We frequently test and research products so we can help you find the right options for your kids, like the best bassinets and the best baby pool floats. I've used a lot of different baby shampoos over the years. To curate our list, we considered my experience, interviewed experts and compared properties and ingredients of various baby shampoos. Though many baby shampoos are designed to reduce irritation, every baby is different. It's always a good idea to do a small patch test before using a new shampoo with your baby and keep an eye out for any reactions or irritation. 'When choosing a baby shampoo, you want to look out for ingredients that can trigger irritation or, if your baby's skin is eczema-prone, worsen inflammation,' says Day. Some of the ingredients you want to avoid include: Many of these ingredients can cause irritation and dryness. On the flip side, there are some helpful ingredients that you may want to look for in your baby's shampoo. Some of these include: These ingredients can do many things to help a baby's skin, including moisturizing it, hydrating it, gently cleansing it and helping build the skin barrier. There are a few different formulations you often see with baby shampoo, including tear-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and pH-balanced. These are all great to look out for, but since they're not regulated terms, it's still important to watch how your baby responds to the shampoo. 'Even if it is 'hypoallergenic,' read the ingredients. Fewer chemicals in simpler formulations are best,' says Johnson. Gentle ingredients can also help make a shampoo less irritating to the eyes. As a mom of three and product tester who has tested many baby and kids shampoos, I can attest that just because a shampoo says it's tear-free doesn't necessarily mean it is. Look for tear-free formulations, but know that it could still irritate your baby's eyes. Many parents like to use a baby shampoo that smells good, but that's not always what's best for your baby's skin. 'I think it's easy to be persuaded into delicious-smelling options for babies, scents like lavender, for example, are often marketed as 'calming or relaxing' which sounds like a dream to any new parent,' says Chacon. 'However, fragrance, even from naturally derived essential oils, can be harsh on delicate tissues. There really is nothing better than the smell of a fresh clean baby but I would recommend their own unique smell over something harsh or synthetic any day.' If you decide to get a shampoo with fragrance, look for one that comes from natural ingredients rather than synthetic fragrances. Which Brand Is Best For Baby Shampoo? Our top pick for baby shampoo is Cerave. It has gentle ingredients, is designed to protect baby's skin barrier and doesn't have added synthetic fragrances. It's also NEA approved, making it ideal for babies with eczema. Do Babies Need Special Shampoo? Yes, babies need special shampoo because it's gentler on their delicate skin. 'We should always remember that baby skin is not the same as adult skin. When shopping for baby products like body wash or shampoo, parents should prioritize gentleness, safety, and natural ingredients more than they might when choosing these products for themselves,' says Russi. What Is The Difference Between Baby Wash And Baby Shampoo? For most baby shampoo brands, there is no difference. Many baby shampoos and washes are all-in-one, so you can use the same product for their hair and body.
