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(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines Water Works CEO Ted Corrigan is drawing attention to the growing nitrate challenge in Iowa’s water supply, largely stemming from agricultural fertilizers. Corrigan noted that over 90% of the nitrate found in source waters originates from fertilizer applied to row crop fields.
Farmer Ryan Marquardt emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the issue, advocating for solutions such as enhanced wetland practices and the use of cover crops to reduce runoff.
The Iowa Farmers Union echoed the call for cooperation among farmers, policymakers, and environmental groups. Marquardt expressed optimism, saying he hopes more farmers will become part of the solution to Iowa’s water quality concerns.