DNR investigating fish kill, likely manure spill in Dry Branch Creek

Iowa Capital Dispatch · Cami Koons · September 4, 2026

Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill in Dry Branch Creek, pictured here as it flows under 110th Street. (Photo via Google Earth) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating the source of murky water and high ammonia levels in Dry Branch Creek that resulted in a fish kill.

According to a news release from the department, staff were notified Thursday of a possible fish kill and “a strong smell of manure” in the creek near Ossian.

At the site, DNR staff observed dead fish and “cloudy” conditions in the creek.

Water samples tested positive for ammonia, according to the news release.

As staff examined the site, they found more dead fish three miles downstream as the creek exits Winneshiek County and flows into Fayette County.

According to DNR water segment data , there have been three other fish kills in Dry Branch Creek, attributed to fertilizer, organic material or animal waste.

DNR is still investigating the source of the incident, but advises downstream users to avoid using water from the creek.

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