Farm groups including the Iowa Soybean Association are disappointed with the Des Moines Water Works’ decision to pursue legal action against several counties in northwest Iowa for alleged shortfalls in water quality. ISA President Tom Oswald of Cleghorn says Des Moines Water Works is misinterpreting the data. He says over the last 10 years nitrate concentrations in the Raccoon River decreased by nearly 25 percent due to refinements of cropping systems.
Oswald says there’s no evidence the regulatory scheme sought by Des Moines Water Works will improve water quality as it relates to non-point source issues. But the results of legal action could be devastating.
He says the claim the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a failure just 18 months in shows a real disconnect from reality. In fact, just last year, 2,400 farmers and land owners invested $22.5 million on conservation practices to improve water quality. $13 million came out of farmers’ own pockets.
