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Waterloo
Eden Index
Climate
7.2
•
Recreation
4.3
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Waterloo, Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing, averaging from 10°F to 30°F. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
Waterloo is nestled along the Cedar River, making it susceptible to hydrology constituents. The river provides a source of water for the city but can also lead to occasional flooding during heavy rains. Efforts have been made to manage flood risks and protect the community.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Waterloo can enjoy various recreational opportunities. George Wyth State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping spots. The park is also known for its scenic lake, perfect for boating and fishing activities. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, offering picturesque views of the Cedar River and surrounding landscapes. Additionally, golf courses, parks, and sports complexes provide options for outdoor activities year-round. Waterloo offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.2
Waterloo receives approximately
883mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Waterloo has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Iowa
Area Rivers
Iowa
Snowpack Depths
Iowa
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Iowa
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.3
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finger Lakes State Park | None | 725 ft | |||
| Lake Fisher | 6 | 840 ft | |||
| Binder Park | 17 | 655 ft | |||
| Long Branch State Park | None | 841 ft | |||
| McGowen Rec Area | 12 | 857 ft | |||
| Drakesville City Park | 6 | 886 ft | |||
| Roubidoux Springs | None | 775 ft | |||
| Lake of the Ozarks State Park | 183 | 773 ft | |||
| Macon Co Park | None | 873 ft | |||
| Rothwell Park | None | 858 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.3
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.