August 7 2025 THIS SUMMER'S "WATER WARRIOR" OFFERS FREE KITS TO TEST YOUR WATER
Media Release
August 7, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Kraft
319.573.2010
j.kraft@wings2water.org
THIS SUMMER’S “WATER WARRIOR” OFFERS FREE KITS TO TEST YOUR WATER
Easy-to-use test kits help you detect nitrate levels in drinking water and local waterways
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – An initiative empowering everyday people to test their water for nitrate contamination is the latest recipient of the prestigious Water Warrior recognition, as awarded by Wings2Water and GreenState Credit Union.
The Nitrate Watch Program, created by the Izaak Walton League, provides free nitrate test kits to anyone who requests one. Participants are encouraged to upload the test results to the Clean Water Hub, a public online database that tracks and visualizes nitrate levels across the country.
“We think the Nitrate Watch Program perfectly exemplifies what the Water Warrior recognition is all about,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water Board President. “It invites the public to learn about water quality while actively taking part in monitoring it. That kind of engagement drives real awareness and change.”
The summer, nitrate levels in Iowa rivers have made headlines, with warnings and even temporary water bans issued in some regions. Understanding how nitrates impact our health, environment, and local communities is more urgent than ever.
“We created the Nitrate Watch program to equip members of the public with simple tools that provide crucial water quality data,” says Heather Wilson, Midwest Save Our Streams Coordinator at the Izaak Walton League of America. “Hundreds of people across Iowa have already requested a free nitrate test kit just this year—this is a powerful sign that people are interested in getting more involved in understanding and measuring water quality. We’re excited to continue to grow this community science effort!”
As part of the Water Warrior recognition, the Nitrate Watch Program will be featured on customized signage throughout the Eastern Iowa Airport and be seen by thousands of summer travelers. The initiative will also be promoted online, on social media, and in email newsletters.
In recognition of National Water Quality Month, representatives from the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League will also be on hand at the airport on August 11 and 18 during select hours to answer questions and hand out Nitrate Watch kits and informational postcards to travelers.
Anyone interested in obtaining a free Nitrate Watch testing kit can also request one on the Izaak Walton League website: https://iwla.org/nitrate-watch/
“We’re honored to recognize The Nitrate Watch Program and the Izaak Walton League for advancing clean water efforts,” said Tara Wachendorf, GreenState Credit Union VP/Public Relations Director. “GreenState hopes that by recognizing those making a difference in water quality, others will follow suit and duplicate their transformational efforts.”
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Dr. Neil Mittelberg of Linn County’s Izaak Walton League talks about the Nitrate Watch Program and demonstrates how to use a water test kit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyprjOfGcJM
Water Warrior nominations taken here: https://www.wings2water.org/water-warrior/