STATE ISSUES WATER SUMMARY

Iowa received above-normal rainfall over the last two weeks - the statewide average was 2.3 inches compared to the normal 1.7 inches. However, officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship say more slow, steady rains are needed. Although shallow groundwater levels in southern central, eastern and northeastern Iowa have benefitted from the rainfall, state officials say parts of southwest and northwest Iowa received very little rain and shallow groundwater levels are much lower than the previous April. Also, water supply operators in northwest Iowa are seeing reduced production, dropping water levels and historically low levels. For a more thorough review of Iowa's water resource trends March 27 through April 9, go to

http://www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.