Iowa Geological Survey

Iowa Geological Survey The Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) is a recognized leader in the geologic and hydrogeologic sciences. But what about drought?

Surface to Subsurface

Iowa’s groundwater supplies a natural water storage and distribution system that provides drinking water for more than 80 percent of Iowa’s population and helps to support Iowa’s important agricultural economy. Thousands of wells across the state provide access to these groundwater resources. Over the decades, well-drillers have collected more than 35,000 samples of the rock

and soil strata beneath the land’s surface. This collection, curated by the IGS, offers a glimpse of Iowa’s subsurface geologic and hydrologic setting and provides valuable information to help us better understand and protect Iowa’s vital groundwater resources. Thus, the collaboration between IGS and IIHR further strengthens the expertise in both surface and groundwater processes. Floods to Drought

The Iowa Flood Center, a research unit within IIHR, offers unparalleled expertise and information related to flooding. The IGS has access to data from scores of wells across the state. IIHR and the new IGS program propose to revive a comprehensive groundwater monitoring network to better monitor and model Iowa’s groundwater resources. This will provide communities and decision-makers with the information to make sound decisions related to drilling new wells and changing pumping levels for existing wells, and their impact on local aquifers. Research and Information for Iowans

The new partnershipcreates an organization with expertise that now covers all aspects of Iowa’s hydrologic cycle — precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface flow, infiltration, and groundwater flow. This broader scope will facilitate collaborations and allow researchers to develop the best possible water-related information, analyses, and tools for Iowans.

05/07/2026
IGS hydrogeologists, Doyle, Honings and Vogelgesang, were out on Wednesday conducting a canoe mounted geophysical survey...
05/07/2026

IGS hydrogeologists, Doyle, Honings and Vogelgesang, were out on Wednesday conducting a canoe mounted geophysical survey on the Ocheyedan River as a part of the state’s groundwater planning project.

IGS geologists are busy today drilling a 500+ foot core in northwestern Dubuque County, Iowa for STATEMAP. U.S. Geologic...
03/30/2026

IGS geologists are busy today drilling a 500+ foot core in northwestern Dubuque County, Iowa for STATEMAP. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

We were at the Capitol this morning, connecting with legislators and partners, discussing work that is making a real dif...
03/10/2026

We were at the Capitol this morning, connecting with legislators and partners, discussing work that is making a real difference for Iowans.

Associate State Geologist for Energy and Minerals, Ryan Clark, presented to the Iowa Environmental Protection Committee ...
02/16/2026

Associate State Geologist for Energy and Minerals, Ryan Clark, presented to the Iowa Environmental Protection Committee regarding hydrogen exploration in Iowa. Full coverage is available on the Iowa Capital Dispatch site at

As exploration continues in the state, Iowa lawmakers look to update state laws to help regulate the prospective industry.

Come and see us at the CVRMS show in March
02/16/2026

Come and see us at the CVRMS show in March

Keith Schilling, IGS director and state geologist, is featured in this article by The Gazette ( https://www.thegazette.c...
01/29/2026

Keith Schilling, IGS director and state geologist, is featured in this article by The Gazette ( https://www.thegazette.com/news/iowa-towns-drinking-water-shaped-by-74-million-year-old-crater/ ) about ancient groundwater trapped in Manson, Iowa's 74-million-year old meteorite crater that causes naturally high fluoride levels, requiring treatment and prompting the town to shift to Fort Dodge's water supply.

In a small northwest Iowa town built atop a 74-million-year-old meteorite crater, even the drinking water carries remnants of ancient history.

Jason Vogelgesang was awarded an Exceptional Performance Award by State Geologist Keith Schilling on behalf of IIHR Hydr...
01/23/2026

Jason Vogelgesang was awarded an Exceptional Performance Award by State Geologist Keith Schilling on behalf of IIHR Hydroscience and Engineering and the University of Iowa for his outstanding outreach efforts showcasing the Iowa Geological Survey’s statewide levee mapping project.

Address

123 N Capitol Street, 300 Trowbridge Hall
Iowa City, IA
52242

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(319) 335-1575

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Iowa Geological Survey posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Iowa Geological Survey:

Shortcuts

Share

Category