The public comment deadline for a draft state report that highlights pollution concerns in parts of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers is Thursday.

Why it matters: Listing waterways as "impaired" can trigger cleanup planning and increased scrutiny of pollution sources, including agricultural runoff.

Catch up quick: Every two years, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources publishes a statewide "impaired waters" list identifying rivers, lakes and streams that don't meet water quality standards for uses like recreation, aquatic life or drinking water.

• The report is required under the federal Clean Water Act and helps guide cleanup planning and pollution reduction efforts.

Context: Being listed doesn't necessarily mean a waterway is unsafe, but it indicates that measured pollution levels surpass state standards and may need further study or restoration plans.

State of play: The report categorizes segments of waterways into numbered levels that indicate water quality, with Category 5 indicating the most severe problems.

By the numbers: The draft report lists 723 waterway segments at Category 4 or above, with 574 at Category 5.

• That's three fewer impaired segments than the 2024 report.

Zoom in: In the metro, sections of Beaver Creek and Walnut Creek are listed as Category 5 in the draft report.

Reality check: Despite years of debates over nutrients, bacteria pollution — not nitrates — remains the leading cause of Iowa waterways being listed as impaired.

Yes, but: Periods of high nitrate levels in the water remain a serious concern for metro water officials, who are urging property owners to reconsider their lawn watering plans in the coming months to prevent another summer ban.

The intrigue: Des Moines Water Works will not submit comments on the draft report, spokesperson Melissa Walker tells Axios.

• The utility's position is already on the record and its operational experience supports listing the Raccoon River as impaired, she said.

What's next: The Iowa DNR will review submitted comments and may revise the draft report before finalizing it in the coming months.

Here are some of the latest restaurants that are opening, closing, or making moves across the metro.

Openings and moves

🥘 Desi Fresh opened last week in Waukee at 1475 SE Bishop Drive. The Desi grocery store serves food, including kabob, tandoori and biryani.

🥤 Lifestyle Juices in the Drake neighborhood moved into a new space next door at 2420 University Ave.

Closings and rebrandings

🥲 Django officially held its last day of business this last weekend. We'll pour one out as we mourn the loss of the best fries in town.

🏀 Mitzi's in West Des Moines is reopening on March 17 as False Nine Social Club, "a matchday-inspired social club experience" for watching sports, per their Facebook.

Future openings

🔥 Dave's Hot Chicken is planning another location in the metro, this time in West Des Moines at 6330 Mills Civic Parkway, the former Noodles & Company site, the Des Moines Register reports.

🍗 Bonchon, a popular Korean fried chicken chain, will open April 29 at 6880 EP True Parkway in WDM.

• The strip is becoming a hub for Asian foods, including Tous le Jours, 3Bears Tea and IndyMart, which is also opening a halal butcher shop, the Register reports.

"Nobody's figured this out, which is why it's so complex. I reached out to over 200 law enforcement colleagues and the response was: Let us know what you figure out."

Varying stakeholders, from cycling advocates to law enforcement, met last week to brainstorm how the Des Moines metro should tackle high-speed electric devices on trails

• The meeting was held by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

State of play: Waukee Police Chief Chad McCluskey shared a draft of an ordinance supported by law enforcement that broadens who is regulated on the trails, instead of current state law that specifies which devices are not allowed, like e-motos.

What they're saying: Cycling advocates recommended going after distributors.

• "(They're) selling these by slapping pedals on them and calling it a bicycle. Go after the manufacturers who are peddling these to unsuspecting parents," said Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

The big picture: Municipalities are also taking different approaches. West Des Moines is undergoing an education campaign to teach parents what to purchase for their kids.

• Ankeny is considering an ordinance that would restrict everyone to riding 20 mph or below.

🚗 Drivers will have to start paying 75 cents an hour to park on downtown Des Moines' bridges. They were previously free. (Des Moines Register)

🏥 Iowa remains second in the nation for new cancer rates, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry's latest report for 2026. (KCCI)

🏠 Des Moines-area homes sat on the market an average of 75 days in February — the longest stretch since 2019 — signaling a slower pace for local buyers and sellers. (Business Record)

👵 The rate at which Iowa nursing homes were cited for insufficient staffing last year was up to five times higher than in surrounding states. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

This week's reader question is in the context of recent restaurant closures.

• If you like a restaurant, frequent it often, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, tells Axios.

Q: What's the most underrated restaurant in the metro?

• Submit your favorite here.

🍸 Flashback: Here's where you said we can find the best cocktails:

• The Bartender's Handshake: "Fancy ingredients and drinks I can't make at home." — Michelle Steele-Ketelsen, DSM
• Secret Admirer: "Rotating seasonal menu and interesting, fresh ingredients." — Jessie Zaruba, Grimes
• Winchester Public House: "They make unique craft cocktails and the place has overall good vibes." — Lexi Schlafer, WDM