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Older Iowans face some of the nation's toughest license rules

Iowa's strict renewal rules put older drivers under scrutiny.

News

Iowa has some of the nation&#x27;s toughest license-renewal rules for older motorists, despite mixed evidence that stricter requirements improve safety.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s rules highlight a broader debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether age" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-s-gray-is-growing-census-data-shows" data-vars-content-id="ffafcfe1-321c-4211-9336-11258f0de6e5" data-vars-headline="Older Iowans face some of the nation&#x27;s toughest license rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-s-gray-is-growing-census-data-shows" target="_self">whether age</a> alone is a fair basis for driver&#x27;s license requirements.

Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro

From ice cream to Vietnamese coffee, there's a range of new dining spots.

Food and Drink

Des Moines&#x27; restaurant scene has hit a rough patch, where it seems like every week, a beloved joint announces that times are tough (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which they are" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">which they are</a>) and it&#x27;s time to close shop.<ul><li>So let&#x27;s talk about some places that are opening — or have already opened — that you should check out. (Eat local, friends.) </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Home Sweet Cone — (Ingersoll)</h2><figure><img alt="Close-up of a pink ice cream cup with a blue cone logo and the text Home Sweet Cone, holding a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a white plastic spoon, outdoors with a blurred storefront." height="872" id="dad54da0-0c6a-4f31-8d29-d35f1521460e" src="https://images.axios.com/KEllBQnmtf7Q6NTPZYjKd-Wo_sk=/2026/07/15/1784151927357.png" width="1570"/><figcaption>Olive oil drizzle and salt flakes on chocolate ice cream from the Waukee location. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>The ice cream shop, which has locations in Waukee and West Des Moines, is opening its third location in September at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. in the Star Lofts, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>(Yes, we also dream of the salted Oreo flavor.)</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">The Breakfast Club (East Village)</h2><figure><img alt="Urban street scene with a modern building featuring large windows and a bright orange sign reading &quot;The Breakfast Club&quot; with a sun graphic. Pedestrians pass by and a silver car is parked in front." height="1872" id="66ff997a-7a8c-4a03-87fa-c7ae32f5041b" src="https://images.axios.com/hPDXbBcgNJUf7nQxzX-OZOp2IAU=/2026/07/03/1783095351743.jpeg" width="3330"/><figcaption>The Breakfast Club, · 418 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios</figcaption></figure> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The brunch spot moved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" target="_self">The brunch spot moved</a> from its original East Third Street storefront into a larger space at 418 E. Grand Ave. <ul><li>It also opened a location last month at Kettlestone Central in Waukee, expanding its suburban reach.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery (Clive)</h2><figure><img alt="Split image: left lounge with striped wood wall, round mirrors, and a long cushioned bench; right three iced drinks in clear cups with domed lids on a wooden table in a bright cafe." height="882" id="2e1ec712-eeeb-4d08-b050-9dd85d4e4768" src="https://images.axios.com/4VupyLV4nEAnRxMqOtx517WbU2o=/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png" width="1568" srcset="https://images.axios.com/Wi_4Tja1mDaut7eljwsc8Z0qQBo=/0x0:1568x882/1920x1080/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/5ndHdIxar_Wm6i_DTW310ecpplg=/0x0:1568x882/1600x900/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/DbwuVHKBp2ZVASUkBwfSJG3PEXQ=/0x0:1568x882/1366x768/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/tQmEvuQcuL2vYO939RwQMoDbJbU=/0x0:1568x882/1024x576/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/uzYfNChCnYQGYYsSc1sNPDHsWzE=/0x0:1568x882/768x432/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/_D8xwvQRSAmB3Mqf9Kt-kHzPjSI=/0x0:1568x882/640x360/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/PAPVccmy3ciez0yW3ytfKJOjYac=/0x0:1568x882/320x180/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>The inside of Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery and coffees and a matcha. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure> Opened by a niece-aunt duo, offering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full menu of Vietnamese coffees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" target="_self">full menu of Vietnamese coffees</a>, including cà phê muối (salted coffee) and cà phê trứng (egg coffee), off University Boulevard near Taste of Italy.More openings we&#x27;re hyped about:🍾 Cuvée (downtown) — A Champagne lounge and tapas bar is opening at the former Café Madeleine location, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Register reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" target="_blank">the Register reports</a>.<ul><li>The lounge is being opened by Chef David Baruthio&#x27;s former sommelier. It&#x27;s planned to open in late summer.</li></ul>🍨 Nothing Major (downtown) — Nick Tillinghast, owner of Hello, Marjorie and Secret Admirer, is rebranding and moving his speakeasy into a new cocktail bar and ice cream parlor. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planned for this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" target="_self">Planned for this summer</a>.🍣 Osaka (West Des Moines) — A sushi and Japanese takeout spot at 640 S. 50th St. offering nigiri, onigiri, matcha and protein smoothies. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Japanese-owned shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Japanese-owned shop</a> opened in May.🍸 T12 Distillery (Valley Junction) — T12 Distillery, which founder Scott Turczynski began in fall 2022, took over Foundry Distilling&#x27;s former space at 111 S. 11th St. in late May, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>The name refers to the T12 vertebra, which sits at the transition between the mid and lower back. Turczynski suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off a retaining wall.</li></ul>

New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents

The demographic shift could deepen Iowa's labor and care gaps.

Iowa lost more than 41,000 people ages 45–64 since 2020 — a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce, tax base, and caregiving system.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa is losing experienced workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">Iowa is losing experienced workers</a> and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.By the numbers: Iowa&#x27;s 45–64 population fell 5.3% — from about 778,900 in April 2020 to 737,300 in July 2025 — according to an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a> estimates released last month.<ul><li>The decline was larger than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the national decrease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">the national decrease</a> of 3.2% but smaller than the Midwest&#x27;s 6.2% drop.</li><li>Meanwhile, Iowa&#x27;s population age 65 and older grew 13.1%, to nearly 650,000.</li><li>The number of Iowans younger than 18 fell 3%, while the state&#x27;s overall population grew 1.5%, to nearly 3.24 million people.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--fallback.png" width="1200" height="420"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--apple.png" width="750" height="466"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates</a>; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>The big picture: The 45–64 cohort includes most of Generation X and the youngest baby boomers, many of whom are retiring faster than younger generations are replacing them.<ul><li>Iowa&#x27;s median age increased from 38.6 in 2020 to 39.3 in 2025.</li><li>About 20% of Iowans are now 65 or older, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census QuickFacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" target="_blank">Census QuickFacts</a>.</li></ul>State of play: Iowa has already struggled to find enough workers, a longtime economic constraint compounded by young college graduates leaving the state.<ul><li>Economists have linked the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sluggish economic growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" target="_self">sluggish economic growth</a> to workforce shortages and demographic headwinds.</li><li>Iowa was also recently ranked among the states with the highest outbound moving rates, potentially further shrinking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future workforce and tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" target="_self">future workforce and tax base</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: Older Iowans are helping fill the gap. Iowa had the nation&#x27;s second-highest share of residents age <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="65 and older still working" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" target="_self">65 and older still working</a> in 2023, at 23.9%.Yes, but: Relying on people to work later may become less sustainable as more residents require care themselves.<ul><li>Iowa lost more than 250 health care facilities between 2008 and 2023, including elder-care and home-health providers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" target="_self">2024 report</a>.</li><li>The state&#x27;s nursing home system has also faced persistent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staff shortages and facility closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">staff shortages and facility closures</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: Iowa&#x27;s overall population is still growing, but the shrinking ranks of its most experienced workers and caregivers could make the state&#x27;s existing labor, health care and budget challenges even harder to solve.

Iowa fertility rate tops U.S. average

Iowa's relatively high rate could help mitigate — though not reverse — the effects of declining birth rates

Iowa is part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swath of central states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" data-vars-content-id="60df8f42-4f4c-4c1f-91b0-75ab06f65fdb" data-vars-headline="Iowa fertility rate tops U.S. average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" target="_self">swath of central states</a> where fertility rates remain relatively high despite a decades-long national decline.Why it matters: It could help mitigate — though not reverse — the effects of declining birth rates on schools, the workforce and the state&#x27;s aging population.

Why Ottumwa has avoided water restrictions

Though Ottumwa also draws water from the Des Moines river, the SE Iowa town has avoided watering bans.

Hi! Welcome to our &quot;Water Cooler Talk&quot; series, where we answer your water quality questions.A Des Moines resident asks: &quot;Is CIWW/the Des Moines metro the only utility-serviced region that is going on restrictions due to high nitrate levels?&quot;<ul><li>&quot;I believe Ottumwa pulls its water from the Des Moines River, too. Are they seeing the same nitrate levels as Des Moines/CIWW? If so, why are they not placing restrictions on users? If they are not, what&#x27;s happening downstream to make Ottumwa better off than Des Moines?&quot;</li></ul>Answer: Ottumwa&#x27;s raw water has averaged slightly fewer nitrates this year than Des Moines&#x27;, thanks in part to geography.<ul><li>The Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, Des Moines&#x27; main sources, converge downtown, and then flow into Lake Red Rock before reaching Ottumwa, which is 90 minutes southeast of the capital city, Ottumwa Water Works general manager Tim Albert tells Axios.</li><li>That reservoir acts like a buffer, smoothing out nitrate spikes rather than passing them straight through.</li><li>Ottumwa is also farther downstream, diluting the water from the higher nitrate sources in northwest Iowa, says Michael Schmidt of the Iowa Environmental Council.</li></ul>By the numbers: Ottumwa&#x27;s river water has averaged around 10 mg/L nitrate this year, Albert says. The average level coming out to customers has been 7.83 mg/L. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The EPA&#x27;s maximum allowable level" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" data-vars-content-id="95b63208-067f-4dd9-9508-a4813f958ad9" data-vars-headline="Why Ottumwa has avoided water restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" target="_self">The EPA&#x27;s maximum allowable level</a> for drinking water is 10 mg/L.<ul><li>The average source water levels this year for the Raccoon River are 13.27 mg/l, and Des Moines River is 10.75 mg/L, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Central Iowa Water Works" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmww.com/news_detail_T37_R407.php" data-vars-content-id="95b63208-067f-4dd9-9508-a4813f958ad9" data-vars-headline="Why Ottumwa has avoided water restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmww.com/news_detail_T37_R407.php" target="_blank">Central Iowa Water Works</a>.</li></ul>Plus: Albert says that municipality runs completely differently — Ottumwa has no nitrate removal facility. Instead, it blends river water with a separate, nearly nitrate-free supply from old sand mining pits west of the city.<ul><li>The city&#x27;s treatment plant was also built in the 1960s, when leaders expected much bigger population growth that never happened.</li><li>That left Ottumwa with more capacity than it needs. The 12-million-gallon-a-day plant peaked at just 7.6 million gallons on its busiest day in 2025.</li><li>Most of Ottumwa&#x27;s water use goes to industry, not residents, which also helps ease the irrigation pressure.</li></ul>Yes, but: Ottumwa isn&#x27;t immune to nitrate problems, Albert says. He would like the state to help pay for newer filtration technology, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="similar to the $25 million Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/05/01/gov-kim-reynolds-introduces-farm-to-faucet-water-quality-package/" data-vars-content-id="95b63208-067f-4dd9-9508-a4813f958ad9" data-vars-headline="Why Ottumwa has avoided water restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/05/01/gov-kim-reynolds-introduces-farm-to-faucet-water-quality-package/" target="_blank">similar to the $25 million Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds</a> gave to improve Central Iowa Water Works&#x27; filtration system.Editor&#x27;s note: This story has been corrected to show Ottumwa is southeast (not southwest) of Des Moines.

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Without regulatory changes, utilities could require customers to unplug them.

Business

A Des Moines lawmaker is pushing to allow Iowans to use plug-in solar kits — devices that connect to standard home outlets and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offset electricity use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" data-vars-content-id="28bc1f13-4624-4102-acd4-8b5ea4c76f44" data-vars-headline="Plug-in solar gets Iowa push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" target="_self">offset electricity use</a>.Why it matters: The systems could offer a cheaper, more practical solar option, Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D-Des Moines) tells Axios.

A new floating art piece also captures nitrates in Iowa water

The artwork aims to highlight Iowa's water quality concerns while combining art and science to provide a solution.

Environment

Step aside, grandma — a new public art piece at Wilson&#x27;s Orchard doubles as a quilt and a water filter that can clean up nitrates.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;It&#x27;s in the Water&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://declarations.art/news-nitrate-cleaning-quilt/" data-vars-content-id="89b8c192-d706-4f9b-a444-7b1df9288539" data-vars-headline="A new floating art piece also captures nitrates in Iowa water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://declarations.art/news-nitrate-cleaning-quilt/" target="_blank">&quot;It&#x27;s in the Water&quot;</a> aims to highlight Iowa&#x27;s water quality concerns, while combining art and science to help provide a solution.

WDM Water Works moves to protect lakes from pollution

The water utility wants to add protections to lakes on the south side of town.

West Des Moines Water Works (WDMWW) wants to protect four lakes as drinking water sources before industrial development moves farther into the area and potentially threatens the supply.Why it matters: Water from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maffitt Reservoir" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmww.com/parks___events/maffitt_reservoir.php" data-vars-content-id="5550d413-7a43-42d9-8a09-5cbd61b3571f" data-vars-headline="WDM Water Works moves to protect lakes from pollution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmww.com/parks___events/maffitt_reservoir.php" target="_blank">Maffitt Reservoir</a> and Crystal Lake already helps offset high nitrate levels in the Raccoon River and serves as drought backup.

I live in Iowa. Which water filter should I buy?

A reverse osmosis system is the most practical system to remove nitrates at home.

Welcome to our new series, Water Cooler Talk, where we answer your water quality and food questions.<ul><li>We got several questions last week about buying a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system, so let&#x27;s dive in.</li></ul>

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Zach Lahn, a MAHA-backed candidate, criticized big ag in Iowa.

Zach Lahn won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" target="_self">Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination</a> after doing something almost no Republican in this state does: criticize &quot;big agriculture,&quot; per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: Once shied away from, the public health impact of Iowa&#x27;s industrial farming is on the ballot for both sides of the aisle.

Massive landfill fire erupts in Des Moines hours after city warning

Metro Waste Authority fires nearly tripled in 2025.

<figure><img alt="A video of a landfill fire." height="450" id="f3fc9e56-ff7f-4647-ac80-bc2b95907d9f" src="https://images.axios.com/HxfGd9MD4TbUyByiTFDZ1NDQQKI=/2026/05/19/1779190402770.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The fire at Metro Park East Landfill earlier this month is suspected to have been caused by lithium batteries or rechargeable electronics that ignited when compacted. Video: Courtesy of Metro Waste Authority</figcaption></figure>One of the largest landfill fires in metro history erupted hours after waste officials warned Des Moines leaders this month about their growing battle against improper battery disposal.Why it matters: Unbeknownst to many residents, rechargeable devices such as vapes, smartphones and electric toothbrushes are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turning household trash into fire hazards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/25/discarded-batteries-causing-fires-in-des-moines-metro-landfills" data-vars-content-id="0c001f30-bc03-4a29-969c-6c3a037202be" data-vars-headline="Massive landfill fire erupts in Des Moines hours after city warning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/25/discarded-batteries-causing-fires-in-des-moines-metro-landfills" target="_self">turning household trash into fire hazards</a>.

Warehouse project near DSM backup water source moves forward

West Des Moines Water Works is working to protect the future drinking water source.

A West Des Moines developer can move forward with a warehouse project near a future drinking water source after agreeing to environmental safeguards.Why it matters: The project is across from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Purple Martin Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ciww.gov/news-1/water-source-protection-week%3A-purple-martin-lake" data-vars-content-id="b9a3038c-fe35-4b87-af8c-e8a776da673c" data-vars-headline="Warehouse project near DSM backup water source moves forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ciww.gov/news-1/water-source-protection-week%3A-purple-martin-lake" target="_blank">Purple Martin Lake</a>, a public recreation area and future backup drinking water source for when the Des Moines area experiences drought and high nitrate levels.

Des Moines metro taps backup water early amid nitrate concerns

Central Iowa Water Works is using its nitrate filtration system early.

As summer nears, officials from Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) and Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) are warning residents and businesses that the ability to filter drinking water fast enough remains a concern.Why it matters: This winter marked only the second time CIWW has activated its nitrate removal facility during these typically slower months, and the pace isn&#x27;t going down.

Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency

A new bill would require public reports on data center water and energy use.

Iowa lawmakers want to know exactly how much water and energy the state&#x27;s booming data center industry is consuming.Why it matters: Iowa has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnet for data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="9d900c93-9b79-4fd0-acab-a9e75eef0878" data-vars-headline="Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">magnet for data centers</a>, but the infrastructure needed to power and cool these facilities puts pressure on the state&#x27;s electric grid and water supply, which can get passed on to homeowners.