Keep our waters safe from pollutants

Regarding the March 2 article “Researchers: State water quality funding fell as threats rose”: I was wondering why farmers are not held responsible for their method of farming that creates a dangerous environment within their community with the pollution of waterways.

I did not think that it was possible for a person or company to legally harm a person or person's property for profit as public waterways are the public's property. The government holds oil companies responsible for oil spills in public waterways. Our rivers and lakes do supply drinking water for humans and animals plus they are beautiful to look at and play in.

What if all that was needed was a safe setback for planting? Now that we are forming a Blue Zone maybe things will get better.

Noreen Tonkin

Marion