Chronicle Editorial

Lawsuit should prompt more action on water quality
 
     A lawsuit filed last week by a Des Moines-based utility against three rural counties promises to be a divisive issue that could have far-reaching implications on agriculture practices nationwide.
     Trustees of Des Moines Water Works voted to sue the boards of supervisors in Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac counties over polluted water they claim stems from farm runoff upstream. The runoff is causing high levels of nitrates in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which will force the utility to build a new treatment plant that removes the contaminants from central Iowa drinking water. The lawsuit claims rural drainage districts should be held to the standards of the Clean Water Act because they act as conduits that carry manure and fertilizer downstream.
     Des Moines Water Works seemed dead set on filing the lawsuit since January, and it really comes as no surprise. The utility has complained about water pollution for years and they’ve only upped the ante in recent months. Their concerns mirror many problems throughout the state, as water quality has been a hot button issue for some time now. However, it appears they’re barking up the wrong tree. Though lawsuits make for eye-catching headlines and sensationalistic buzz, water quality should be addressed by legislation that tackles pollution and establishes set guidelines for future improvement.
     It seems like these three northwest Iowa counties are being made into sacrificial lambs. This lawsuit could have been filed almost anywhere in Iowa and it should prove as a wake up call to rural areas everywhere. However, it will most likely have the opposite effect. Litigation is an aggressive move by Des Moines Water Works and it is going to create a nasty war of words between activists, politicians and ag leaders in the months ahead.
     The underlying reality to this whole situation is a need to improve water quality across Iowa. Farmers have made strides at reducing runoff pollution through the voluntary nutrient reduction program, but progress hasn’t been swift enough for critics. The ag industry isn’t denying there’s a problem with water, so there’s still hope that both sides of the issue can come together and find common ground. That will probably come through regulation and other means, but more outcry is almost inevitable as people grow frustrated with statewide pollution problems.
     The lawsuit filed by Des Moines Water Works has drawn the eye of the national media and other onlookers. It shined the spotlight on our state’s water problems, which was no doubt one of its main goals. It will be interesting if this piece of litigation leads to changes here in Iowa and across the nation. We all benefit from high quality water, just as we benefit from a thriving agriculture industry. Finding a common ground on nutrient reduction will be a vital step as Iowa and the entire Midwest looks to the future.
     That, however, will take time.
 
Spring has sprung!
 
     The snow is gone, temperatures are warming up and robins have been spotted throughout the area. Spring is here, and it certainly couldn’t have come at a better time.
     We were treated to some spectacular weather over the past week that no doubt had folks itching to skip work and enjoy the great outdoors. It always feels great to shake off the winter blues, and this fantastic weather is the best medicine to do just that. Nobody is going to miss the frigid temperatures and sporadic snowfall that made February miserable.
     Soon we’ll be heading into spring sporting events like track and golf. Fishing season is just around the corner, and so is summer baseball and softball. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather – it won’t be too long before we’re complaining about heat, humidity and mowing the lawn!