DES MOINES, IOWA (BNO NEWS) – Iowa’s Governor Chet Culver congratulated the approval of a measure to protect Iowa’s water quality Monday, the Governor’s office said.

An essential set of new rules governing the state’s watersheds that are designed to comply with the federal Clean Water Act were made official by the Administrative Rules Review Committee, taking an important step to prevent Iowa’s water from becoming more polluted.

After thirteen public meetings held across the state, the revised anti-degradation policy establishes a new level of high-quality waters identified as outstanding resource waters that provide exceptional recreational or ecological significance.

“I strongly supported the efforts of the Environmental Protection Commission and the Department of Natural Resources for their efforts to create an effective, common-sense Iowa approach to this critical issue,” Governor Culver said. “Public officials must do everything reasonably possible to provide cost-effective approaches to ensure safe drinking water and to improve natural areas for all Iowans to enjoy,” he added.