Tell Congress to protect all water

Soon, Congress will have the opportunity to help conserve and protect America's water resources by passing the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2009. This would benefit all of us, whether you fish the Mississippi, boat in the Cedar, Iowa or Wapsipinicon rivers, canoe the Volga or Turkey rivers or wade in any of the many creeks Iowa has to offer. This act will help protect water we drink.

Congress needs to omit the word “navigable” from the legislation to ensure that all waters are protected from pollution and the purpose of the law is clear. It would then clearly include small creeks and rivers, ponds and preserves that are not navigable by boats. This clarity will enable the courts to intercede more effectively and efficiently when necessary.

Tell Congress that clean water is essential to the quality of life we enjoy and have come to expect in Iowa.

Rebecca Thomas

Manchester