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SF 2266

A bill for an act relating to clean water monitoring by requiring agencies to publish disaggregated data, including data associated with contributions by nonpoint sources.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 7 co-sponsors

The bill requires DNR and the Division to publish disaggregated water quality data by nonpoint source contributions for designated use segments on a joint public site.

Subcommittee: Zumbach, Rozenboom, and Staed.
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Bill Summary · SF 2266

Summary of Bill SF 2266 (2025-2026 Iowa Session)

Purpose and Intent

SF 2266 proposes enhanced transparency in clean water monitoring by requiring the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality (within the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship) to publish disaggregated water quality data. Specifically, the bill aims to identify and publish water quality measurements by nonpoint source contributions, breaking out data by designated use segments and surface water classifications.

Key Provisions

  • Disaggregated data reporting (Section 3):

    • In addition to existing aggregated water quality reports, the DNR and the Division must disaggregate data to show water quality measurements that delineate contributions from nonpoint sources.
    • The disaggregated data must be organized according to designated use segments based on surface water classifications established by the DNR.
    • The two agencies must publish and update water quality reports that specify this disaggregated information on an internet site operated cooperatively by the DNR and the Division.

  • Definition and organizational scope (Sections 1–2):

    • Adds a definition for “Division” as the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality within the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
    • Adjusts organizational references to ensure the Division or its director (or designee) can fulfill the reporting requirements.

  • Confidentiality considerations (Section 5):

    • Maintains confidentiality protections for information received or held under the subchapter, with one noted adjustment to align with the broader confidentiality framework.
    • Specifics indicate that, except where subsection 2 applies, data remains confidential and exempt from public access as provided in existing confidentiality provisions (section 22.7).

  • Section deletions/adjustments (Sections 4):

    • Repeals or modifies an existing subsection of 466B.41, subsection 3, though the exact content of the removed subsection is not detailed in the provided text.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State agencies:

    • Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
    • Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality (within the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)

  • Data and reporting:

    • Production of disaggregated water quality data showing nonpoint source contributions.
    • Public dissemination via a jointly managed internet site (DNR and the Division).

  • Confidentiality framework:

    • Existing confidentiality protections remain in place for certain sensitive information, with continued protection unless an exception applies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill codifies a new reporting obligation and public data site but does not specify detailed timelines within the text provided. It implies ongoing updating of the disaggregated reports on the cooperative internet site.

  • The bill references the updated sections of Iowa Code (Code 2026) to align with future statutory structure and departmental leadership definitions.

Additional Context

  • Co-sponsors include a bipartisan group of Iowa lawmakers: Janet Petersen, Art Staed, Cindy Winckler, Mike Zimmer, Liz Bennett, Zach Wahls, Bill Dotzler, and Herman Quirmbach.

  • The primary policy thrust is to increase transparency around water quality by making it clearer how nonpoint sources (such as agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and other diffuse contributors) affect designated use segments of Iowa’s surface waters.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to current reporting practices or outline potential budgetary or administrative implications for implementing the disaggregated data site.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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