Water quality represents an important issue for the state of Iowa as a whole, something that both rural and urban citizens must collaboratively approach. Most are aware that Des Moines Water Works has filed suit against three northwest Iowa drainage districts, placing blame squarely on upstream agriculture for nitrate loss to major Iowa waterways. A lawsuit, however, is not the solution Des Moines needs and will do nothing to improve water quality.

The Des Moines Metro Area has a unique opportunity to come together and invest in a Regional Water Facility.

We have known for decades that the current facility is out of date, not because of farmers who live 100 miles upstream but largely because of the community’s vast...