Nitrates threaten drinking water

To the editor:

The recent high nitrate alert for parts of Story, Boone, Hamilton and Polk counties is another wake-up scream to the increasing threats to our drinking water. These places use water from the Des Moines River where nitrates are steadily increasing each year.

According to the EPA, 'The major sources of nitrates in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; and erosion of natural deposits.” Attributing this recent increase to spring rains, septic tanks, and erosion is insulting. Ever increasing applications of toxic hog sewage and commercial fertilizer is the cause. Boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level.

Unlike Des Moines Water Works, counties have limited technology and finances to remove nitrates. Therefore, the people depending on safe drinking water will need to purchase bottled water or install expensive home filtration systems. Will the Nutrient Reduction Strategy Plan pay for this? Will it pay for all the cities and counties who also do not have the systems in place to remove these nitrates? Will we have to wait until some child dies from blue baby syndrome?

Mark S. Edwards

Boone