IOWA CITY — A new University of Iowa research initiative — involving NASA satellite data and water-monitoring systems — aims to develop a forecasting and early-warning system for nitrate levels in Iowa rivers and streams, potentially serving as a tool in the state’s fight against its rising cancer rate.
The new Nitrate Forecasting and Early Warning System is being developed by UI-based IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering in collaboration with NASA, the cities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and Des Moines Water Works. It hopes to one day offer near-real-time water quality monitoring updates, alerts and warnings in support of both community and private planning and decision-making, according to the UI College of Engineering.
“Iowans are rightfully concerned about the water quality in their communities, and I am honored to lead this new research initiative that will develop data-driven solutions and provide real-world impact,” Jesus Gomez-Velez, UI associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, said in a statement. “I’m thankful to work alongside our community partners to develop these predictive tools, which we hope to expand to other communities across the state, and even beyond.”…