Report: 80% of Des Moines river nitrates linked to farming
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A long-exposure photo captures the Des Moines River under the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge in downtown, which supplies the metro with much of its drinking water. Photo: Courtesy of Eric Burson Photography
A new report commissioned by Polk County says that agriculture is the driving factor of high pollution levels in area rivers and streams, raising red flags about the region's drinking water and environmental health.
Why it matters: The nearly 250-page "Currents of Change" report aims to deliver the most thorough river review in the metro's history.
- It occurs during the metro's first lawn-watering ban as high nitrate levels threaten the area's drinking water supply.
Catch up quick: Polk County partnered with soil and water specialists in 2023, using $1 million in federal pandemic grant funds to review existing river data, identify research gaps and create a water quality improvement plan.
- It emphasizes how area waterways are vital to economic health and residents' well-being.
Context: The study follows years of debate between environmental advocates and Iowa's key industry — agriculture.
- In 2015, DSM Water Works unsuccessfully sued three northwest Iowa counties and multiple drainage districts in federal court, accusing them of violating the Clean Water Act by not controlling nitrates more effectively.
What they found: Rivers regularly contain fecal bacteria levels that go beyond safe swimming limits, according to the report.
- About 80% of nitrates in the DSM and Raccoon rivers are directly linked to agriculture, the report concludes.
State of play: The report was expected to be released earlier this year, but the county has so far declined to make it public.
- Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained and first published a copy of it this week. Axios also independently obtained a copy.
What they're saying: Polk County published a video about the report Thursday, noting that it will be released on July 1.
- "We hope that residents and community groups use this report as a guide to advocate and take positive actions to improve water quality at the local, state and national level," Polk County supervisors chairperson Matt McCoy said in a statement to Axios.
- Iowa Farm Bureau Federation will review the report and offer a response at a later date, spokesperson Andrew Wheeler tells Axios.
Zoom in: The conclusion that the metro has a water quality issue is not new, Stephanie Oppel, executive director of the ongoing $125 million Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON) project, told the Dispatch.
Yes, but: While the group doesn't dispute the data, it disagrees with its conclusion that the water might be unsafe for recreation.
- "All recreation is not without risk," Oppel said.
The intrigue: The report recommends that local and state officials take several steps, including developing contingencies for water utilities to meet stricter nitrate drinking water standards.
What's next: County supervisors are expected to review the report during a meeting at 9:30 Tuesday.