This bill requires Iowa wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) before applying it to farmland. If PFAS is detected, the plant must notify the landowner in writing, who can then refuse the sludge without legal consequences. The law directly affects wastewater treatment facilities and landowners using sludge for agricultural purposes. It creates a mandatory testing step and notification process to address potential PFAS contamination in soil.
This bill requires Iowa's Department of Administrative Services to create a master contract for government entities to purchase fire fighting foam made primarily from soybean-based materials, excluding harmful chemicals like PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances). It directly affects all state agencies and local governments that buy fire fighting foam, mandating they use this specific contract unless an exception applies. Local governments with fire departments must decide by January 1, 2027, whether to adopt the soybean-based foam through a new ordinance. The policy shifts procurement away from foam containing toxic fluorinated chemicals, prioritizing safer alternatives.
HF 2395 bans the addition of hydrofluorosilicic acid and other fluoride-based additives to both public and private drinking water systems in Iowa. It requires county health boards to set private water standards that prevent fluoride levels exceeding natural background amounts, and directs the environmental protection commission to establish public water standards with the same limit. The bill updates drinking water rules to ensure they align with federal standards while prohibiting artificial fluoride addition. This directly affects all public water utilities and private well owners subject to county health regulations. The policy change specifically eliminates the use of fluoride additives in water treatment, setting maximum allowable levels at naturally occurring background concentrations.
HF 2313 prohibits coal-fired power plants and coal ash landfills from discharging toxic pollutants - including mercury, arsenic, and cadmium - from specific wastewater streams (like flue gas desulfurization water and ash transport water) into water sources. It directly affects existing coal power facilities operating before July 1, 2026, requiring them to comply by December 31, 2029, while new facilities must comply before starting operations. The bill mandates that the environmental department create implementing rules and aims to protect drinking water, groundwater, and communities from avoidable coal ash pollution linked to serious health risks. The law focuses on preventing toxic discharges using existing technology, with clear compliance deadlines for different facility types.
This bill requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources to create a searchable online database of public water sample data. The database must allow users to filter results by contaminant type (including nitrates), location, water supply system, and sampling date. It mandates that all water testing results from public water systems be publicly accessible in this format, including contaminant levels. The department must have the database operational within six months of the bill's effective date.
SSB 3068 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific infrastructure improvements through new "system enhancement charges" after approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission. It directly affects investor-owned utilities providing regulated water and wastewater services, requiring them to submit multiyear plans for projects that improve resilience, safety, or environmental protection (e.g., replacing aging infrastructure or complying with federal regulations). Utilities must prove these projects meet defined criteria, including cost estimates and compliance benefits, before the Commission approves the charges. The bill excludes fines/penalties from recoverable costs and establishes a process for annual rate adjustments based on approved plans.
SSB 3099 requires Iowa state agencies to prefer purchasing soybean-based fire fighting foam that contains no perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or fluorine components, provided it meets safety standards and cost limits. The Department of Administrative Services must develop specifications for this foam, certify it as USDA biobased, and establish a procurement preference program. State agencies must prioritize this soy-based foam unless it’s unavailable, fails NFPA safety tests, or costs more than 5% over alternatives. The bill mandates including these preferences in bid solicitations, bidder conferences, and communications with industry trade associations to implement the requirement.
HF 2032 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific infrastructure upgrades through new "system enhancement charges" on customer bills. It directly affects investor-owned utilities regulated by the Iowa Utilities Commission, enabling them to recover expenses for projects like replacing aging systems, installing new infrastructure for safety/environmental protection, or complying with federal/state regulations. Utilities must first get commission approval for a multiyear plan detailing costs and benefits before implementing these charges, with the commission requiring the plan to include cost estimates, engineering reports, and evidence of compliance with environmental rules. The bill defines "system enhancement costs" to include capital expenses, operations, and a pretax return, but explicitly excludes fines or penalties.
HF 2237 prohibits coal-fired power plants and coal ash landfills in Iowa from discharging toxic pollutants (like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium) from specific wastewater streams into water sources. It directly affects existing coal power facilities operating before July 1, 2026, requiring them to comply by December 31, 2029, and new facilities must comply before starting operations. The bill mandates that facilities stop discharging flue gas desulfurization wastewater, bottom ash transport water, and combustion residual leachate into waterways. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources must create rules to implement these requirements. The law aims to prevent avoidable water pollution linked to coal ash, protecting drinking water and public health.
HF 2210 amends Iowa's water allocation law by removing the existing definition of "beneficial use" and requiring the Department of Natural Resources to determine beneficial use on a case-by-case basis when reviewing water permit applications. The bill mandates that permits for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal must be approved or denied within 90 days (or 30 days for renewals), with the department considering public health, safety, and conservation. It also requires all new permits issued after July 1, 1986, to include mandatory conservation practices and emergency measures. The bill directly affects water users applying for permits, shifting decision-making from categorical rules to individualized assessments by the department.
