YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – A real time nitrate monitor has been added to the James River flood gauge in Yankton County.

Galen Hoogestraat, (who-gah-straat) a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Rapid City, says they wanted more up to date information.

Hoogestraat says most river nitrates come from farm fields.

The monitor, which has been online since late April, has reported nitrate levels averaging just over one milligram per liter.

Hoogestrat says that is a very good reading.

Hoogestrat says some rivers in Iowa run base line readings of 20 to 30 milligrams per liter.