The Cedar Rapids (IA) Gazette reports that Iowa has more than 70 sensors deployed this year on streams and rivers across the state that measure nitrate loads and concentration so observers can tell whether water treatment plant upgrades, wetland improvements and agricultural conservation practices are working to reduce pollution.

IIHR--Hydroscience & Engineering is studying the data retrieved from the sensors.

Data released last week by a lab directed by Chris Jones, IIHR research engineer, show 40 percent of the 61 sensors that were in Iowa in 2016 had an average daily concentration of nitrates above the federal drinking water standard of 10 milligrams per liter.

To read the complete Gazette story, go to http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/iowa-water-sensors-show-2016-uptick-in-nitrates-states-sensor-network-is-one-of-the-largest-in-the-nation-20170402.