AUDUBON, Iowa [KCCI] — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said farmers are doing their part to help keep nitrates out of Iowans’ drinking water. His statement came during a visit to TNT Industries in Audubon Thursday afternoon. The Republican Senator from Iowa emphasized that farmers are already taking steps to prevent chemical runoff, which has been linked to high nitrate levels in water sources. Grassley told KCCI that he thinks farmers have done well by being more careful in their use of chemicals and fertilizers.

Grassley noted that Iowa was commended for its plan to protect and clean up its waterways in the last decade. He suggested that encouraging the use of grass waterways and establishing more wetlands could be another part of the solution.

Sen. Grassley visits TNT Industries in Audubon, Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo from Grassley’s Facebook page)

The discussion comes after the metro was under a lawn watering ban for nearly two months because of high nitrate levels in the main water sources. A study by Polk County suggests farm pollution poses a risk to the water supply.