Water efforts take collaboration, time

As I travel the state, I meet family farmers disappointed with Des Moines Water Works' litigious approach to water quality. It's also disappointing that so few consumers are hearing about the conservation progress that has been made, even in the DMWW's own watershed.

DMWW own data shows a downward trend of nitrates in the Raccoon River, going as far back as at least 2006. Progress continues today, with 16 more targeted demonstration projects.

These collaborative efforts are happening elsewhere because 95 organizations are behind them, including Farm Bureau, with farmers and local partners leveraging more than $11.8 million in funds and more than $7.5 million in state funding.

Progress comes when farmers roll up their sleeves and seek solutions. They've been doing this for years. They voluntarily spend tens of millions of dollars out of their own pockets each year to do right by the land and take great pride in seeing results.

But, one type of conservation practice won't work on every farm, for every terrain, for every crop. Scientists say when it comes to changes in water quality, it can take decades.

Consumers deserve a comprehensive approach to water quality that includes getting all players at the table to find long-term solutions.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy does that and stands as a national model by farmers, environmentalists and administrators. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy's praise of the strategy and the numerous conservation efforts being done in other urban watersheds are worthy of coverage, especially considering that the educational tool was made available to farmers just two years ago.

The collaborative work between urban districts and farmers in other watersheds such as Rathbun Lake, Cedar Rapids and Dubuque could easily be done in Des Moines.

Projects sponsored by Agriculture's Clean Water Alliance, along with conservation districts in Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac counties, just received grants in December totaling nearly $856,000 to do various watershed projects, and more than $1 million in matching funds were committed to leverage the state's grant.

Nearly 20 partners came together to make it happen from farm organizations and higher education to private organizations and government.

Water quality improvement in Iowa takes time. It takes work. It takes commitment and collaboration, especially if our end goal is to continue to provide safe drinking water and safe, healthy food choices.

All Iowans are stakeholders in this long-term process, and they deserve better. For starters, they deserve the whole story.

' Milo-area farmer Craig Hill is president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Comments: chill@ifbf.org