Chronicle Editorial

DMWW lawsuit an alarming wake up call

     Litigation announced last week in Des Moines was yet another boiling point in the ongoing battle over Iowa's polluted water sources. Though the merits will be debated at length, it's clear a similar lawsuit could occur in many rural areas throughout the state.

     Des Moines Water Works announced its intentions to sue the boards of supervisors in Sac, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties following extensive deliberation. The utility has spent millions over the years filtering out high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to make the water safe for human consumption, and it blames landowners in drainage districts upstream. Farmers are polluting the water with unregulated field runoff and other contaminants, Des Moines Water Works claims, and it wants to hold the counties that manage the drainage districts accountable.

     The lawsuit has drawn considerable criticism from lawmakers, farmers and ag interest groups. They claim Des Moines Water Works is treading on years of policy changes aimed at bettering Iowa's water. Things like the voluntary nutrient reduction program have reduced runoff and pollution, while other ag partnerships have developed recently with the hopes of shrinking the industry's environmental impact. This will lead to long-term policy changes to improve Iowa's water without implementing new regulations on farmers and livestock producers, industry leaders say.

     This pageant is poised to go back and forth for some time. It's city versus rural; environmental priorities versus the growing need for more food. We see it in Iowa and we'll no doubt see it elsewhere. However, it's important to seek compromise instead divisive litigation that pits one side against the other. This state was built by agriculture, and finding common ground on nutrient reduction is key as Iowa looks to the future.

     Ag industry leaders and lawmakers made a good point following last week's announcement. Iowa's farmers have made positive strides at reducing runoff in recent years, and working to build on those accomplishments is more constructive than forced regulations and other red tape. Pollution exists and it needs to be addressed. However, bringing both sides to the table in a respectful manner and hashing out a long-term plan is the best solution to Iowa's water woes. All litigation does is burn bridges and slash any hope for future progress.

     If there's a silver lining to the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit, it's that rural Iowa counties could wake up to a problem that will only continue in the near future. This sort of litigation could happen almost anywhere, and getting ahead of it by implementing more voluntary pollution reduction strategies is key for future improvement. We all want to see Iowa prosper, and investing in clean water solutions through cooperation will be vital for our state's future success.

Stepping up to the plate at the state capitol

     Monday marked the beginning to the 2015 General Assembly in Des Moines. While numerous issues are primed for debate this year, it's clear Iowans want their lawmakers to step up to the plate and find compromise on a list of key issues in the months ahead.

     Things like infrastructure funding, medicinal marijuana and budget spending are a few items set to take center stage again this year underneath the golden dome. These topics were discussed to some extent in 2014, but buzz surrounding each one has grown in the lead up to this year's session. New issues like school year start dates and eminent domain concerns will also get attention, as are many other hot button items.

     Legislators have shown a willingness to reach across the aisle prior to the 2015 General Assembly. Our state is fresh off an election year, and there's reason to be hopeful for a constructive session this winter. Though there will no doubt be some division and disagreement, our lawmakers are in good position to hunker down and get more than a few things done this year. Iowans are ready for a progressive session that tackles issues left on the table for far too long.