We need a long-term solution to improve water quality

On March 10, Des Moines Water Works filed suit against three Iowa counties for pollution of the municipal water supply. Specifically, the Board of Water Works Trustees alleges the boards of supervisors in Sac, Buena Vista, and Calhoun counties have failed to manage nitrate levels in their assigned drainage districts.

This lawsuit has the potential to languish in the courts up to a decade or longer. More important, if this case goes to court, a harmful precedent for litigation against Iowa's agricultural industry on water quality issues will be established.

The agricultural sector serves a critical role in the state and national economies. Iowa leads the nation in corn, soybean, egg and pork production. The contributions of our farmers have long been recognized as instrumental to economic growth and security. Thus, there has been a long tradition of cooperation and respect between growers, producers and policymakers.

Concerns over water quality have prompted collaborative efforts between farmers and stakeholders to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses. Agricultural and conservation organizations have been working with farmers and government agencies to implement 4R nutrient stewardship and conservation practices to prevent and mitigate losses. The 4Rs focus on choosing the right nutrient source to apply at the right rate, right time and in the right place for each operation. Additionally, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy begun in 2013 has been gaining traction across Iowa.

While there is much work to be done to continue improving water quality, Des Moines Water Works seems unwilling to continue the tradition of mutual respect and cooperation. I encourage them to explore an alternative strategy that develops the best solutions that will not result in widespread negative consequences to Iowa's agricultural industry.

The lawsuit will potentially trade decades of voluntary cooperation for a legacy of litigation and bitterness. The significant expenses invested in legal action could be better spent on research and implementation of practical steps to solve this challenge.

Clean water is in the best interest of all Iowans, and nitrogen and phosphorus runoff is a significant issue. The agricultural community has been and is working to minimize nutrient loss by considering good financial as well as good nutrient stewardship practices. Surely working together would bring about a better long-term solution.

' H. David Boettger is a retired farmer and former president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. He served on local pork and cattle producer boards as well as a farm supply cooperative in Shelby County. Comments: hdave@fmctc.com