Drought 2012 Significantly Lowers Cedar River

If you've driven by the Cedar River lately, you've probably noticed the water levels are unusually low.

It turns out the water levels and stream flow of the Cedar River and many Iowa rivers are the latest victims of this summer's drought.

According to a story in the Gazette, the Cedar River's discharge levels are 21 percent of its mean average for this time of year. The river is also less than three feet deep, measured at a site in Cedar Rapids.

Dan Christiansen, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Iowa City, told the Gazette that the low water levels could get worse — potentially record breaking levels — if rain doesn't come soon.

It's the same in other Iowa rivers — the Iowa River was measured in Marengo and was found to have a 91 percent lower discharge level than average and the Des Moines River had an discharge level 97 percent lower.

The good news is that aquatic life in Iowa's rivers hasn't been significantly affected yet. 

The bad news is particularly bad, though.

If the drought continues and we see the aforementioned record, there could see a drinking water crisis in Iowa. The Des Moines Register reported if drought conditions were to reach crisis levels, the National Guard may be called to supply Iowa cities with drinking water.