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Natural resources

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Releases Water Quality Improvement Plan for Big Hollow Lake

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has published a water quality improvement plan for Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County, which has been listed as an impaired waterbody due to high levels of algae, pH, and turbidity. The plan, available on the Iowa DNR's YouTube channel, explores the causes of these problems and offers potential solutions to reduce phosphorus levels in the lake, thereby enhancing recreation and aquatic life. The plan is designed to guide local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders, and residents in improving the lake's water quality. The public comment period for the plan, which can be downloaded from the Iowa DNR's website, will close on September 8.

Key Takeaways:

  • Big Hollow Lake has been listed as an impaired waterbody due to high levels of algae, pH, and turbidity.
  • The water quality improvement plan attributes the problems to excess phosphorus in the lake.
  • The plan offers potential solutions to reduce phosphorus levels and improve the lake's water quality.
  • Local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders, and residents can use the plan as a guide to improve the lake's water quality.
  • Public comments on the plan must be submitted by September 8 via email or mail.
  • The Iowa DNR will forward the final plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval after gathering public comments.

Statistics:

  • Big Hollow Lake has high levels of algae, pH, and turbidity.
  • The plan explores the causes of these problems and offers potential solutions to reduce phosphorus levels in the lake.
  • The public comment period for the plan will close on September 8.
  • The plan is available on the Iowa DNR's YouTube channel and can be downloaded from the Iowa DNR's website.
  • 515-725-8200 is the phone number for free language assistance services.

Sources:

  • Iowa DNR, "Public Meeting or Comments" (August 7, 2025), available at https://www.iowadnr.gov/public-meeting-or-comments/2025-08-07/online-information-available-big-hollow-lake-water-quality-improvement-plan.

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