Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement members are battling legislation introduced in the State House to eliminate Des Moines Water Works. The bill is sponsored by Representative Jarad Klein. ICCI organizer Jess Mazour says it would cause the dissolution of not only Des Moines Water works, but other utilities and transfer their powers to cities. It would also create a regional water authority and water board.

She says HF 316 is targeted at Des Moines Water Works as a result of their recent lawsuit against drainage districts. Mazour says although the court already ruled in favor of the drainage districts, a large part of the litigation remains unsettled.

Mazour says another concern they have with the proposed legislation is that it could lead to corporate interests controlling the state’s drinking water.

Mazour says their members are prepared to testify against HF 316 when it comes up for debate.