Strive to improve Iowa's water quality

To the editor:

Growing up in a farming family showed me how important sustainable farming practices are. Unfortunately, today it appears Iowa agriculture has a sustainability problem. This isn't a new issue, in fact, many great efforts are underway across the state to promote more sustainable practices to reduce nitrate and soil loss.

While there seems to be progress, improving our soil and water quality is something all Iowans should strive for. In addition to those downstream, farmers benefit greatly when they reduce nitrate and nutrient run off from their fields.

The Des Moines Water Works is suing three Iowa counties for elevated nitrate levels in the Raccoon River watershed. Instead of resorting to litigation, it would be encouraging to see stakeholders and producers working together to find solutions that lead to measurable improvements in our water quality. It will take some give and take from both sides, but the quality of our soil and water is too important to not address with a sense of urgency.

Andrew Steahr

Iowa City