The Nitrate Watch program is on a mission to combat the nutrient pollution that threatens ecosystems and public health. Through free testing kits and an easy-to-use digital platform, they make it possible for anyone to monitor their tap water or favorite local stream and share findings with the world. Following a historic 2025 that saw over 6,600 nitrate readings nationwide, the community’s passion for clean water has never been stronger.
Iowa, in particular, has become the heart of this movement, accounting for more than half of all participation. As they head into a record-breaking 2026, this grant from Wings2Water provides the critical resources needed to keep Nitrate Watch kits free and support the surging number of volunteers ready to protect their local watersheds and drinking water sources.
About Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch:
The Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch program equips volunteers and partner organizations with nitrate test strips and empowers them to monitor their water, share their results, and advocate for solutions.
Request a FREE Nitrate Watch Kit and they will send you everything you need to measure nitrate in your drinking water or local waterways. See what’s in the kit, or investigate their Nitrate Watch Frequently Asked Questions for more info about monitoring, using the kit, and interpreting your results.
Wings2Water offers two types of grants to deserving organizations and individuals that help fulfill the mission of our organization. One is for educational programs; the other is for projects that improve and/or restore water quality or help reduce nutrient pollution runoff.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all grant recipients this year,” said Rebekah Jones, Wings2Water Board President. “With a surge in applications, we’re seeing a growing commitment within our communities to address water quality issues, and we’re incredibly proud of the diverse range of initiatives these funds will support. Together, we’re making strides toward cleaner water locally and downstream.”
These grants are made possible by generous support from corporate sponsors including GreenState Credit Union, TrueNorth, and New Leader Manufacturing, as well as round-it-up donations from travelers at the Eastern Iowa Airport.