House File 626 - Introduced HOUSE FILE BY MAY Passed House, Date Passed Senate, Date Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved A BILL FOR 1 An Act relating to annual water quality assessments. 2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 3 TLSB 1373YH 82 4 tm/es/88 PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 455B.174, Code 2007, is amended by 1 2 adding the following new subsection: 1 3 NEW SUBSECTION. 6. Annually conduct an assessment of 1 4 water quality of the major waters of the state in each county, 1 5 as determined by the department. The department shall compile 1 6 data to make annual comparisons to determine trends in water 1 7 quality in each county. In developing a methodology for 1 8 annual assessments, the department shall enter into contracts 1 9 with entities in each county for purposes of conducting the 1 10 assessments. 1 11 EXPLANATION 1 12 This bill relates to annual water quality assessments. 1 13 The bill requires the director of the department of natural 1 14 resources to annually conduct an assessment of water quality 1 15 of the major waters of the state in each county, as determined 1 16 by the department. The bill requires the department to 1 17 compile data to make annual comparisons to determine trends in 1 18 water quality in each county. The bill requires the 1 19 department to enter into contracts with entities in each 1 20 county for purposes of conducting the assessments. 1 21 LSB 1373YH 82 1 22 tm:rj/es/88