The debate over how to improve the water quality of Iowa’s rivers and streams took center stage inside Des Moines Water Works’ headquarters Thursday afternoon.
Dozens of people debated the utility’s plan to sue three northwestern Iowa counties over high nitrate levels in the Raccoon River.
In the end, the waterworks moved forward with its plans to sue the supervisors in Sac, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties.
“We don’t need more rules and regulations. We need cooperation,” said Bill Couser, a cattle farmer from Nevada. He was one of more than 20 people who addressed the board during a public comment session.
Only a few objected to the lawsuit. Several speakers from Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement applauded the move.
“Farmers who pollute need to pay for the cleanup. Not the 500,000 people in this community or other communities,” said Barbara Lang, a lifelong Iowan and CCI member.