Iowa needs strong leadership on water quality

I applaud state Sen. Liz Mathis for calling on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reject the application to withdraw water from the Jordan Aquifer and her request for a comprehensive examination of the state's water rights. However, her work to protect Iowa's waterways will be a moot point if we continue to allow the proliferation of factory farms.

Each year 380 billion pounds of animal manure is sprayed on fields as a result of factory farming. Runoff ends up in our waterways and contributes to antibiotic resistance. We cannot afford to put the safety of our communities, and the nation, at risk for the profits of a few.

In order to truly solve our water crisis, the majority of Iowans believe we need to pass a moratorium on factory farming.

Sen. Mathis has shown strong leadership when it comes to clean water in Iowa but I urge her to take it a step further and support this common-sense legislation to ensure that our water is protected from the most imminent threats, both in-state and out-of-state.

Mackenzie Aime

Food & Water Action Iowa Organizer

Iowa City