I am committed to protecting our rivers, farmland, and drinking water for future generations. In Iowa, agricultural pollution, especially high levels of nitrates, phosphorus, pesticides, and livestock waste, continues to threaten our water sources. Rivers that supply drinking water for our communities often exceed safe nitrate levels, which poses serious health risks to families across the state. Near-record nitrate levels have even led to new restrictions on water use, while treatment costs keep rising and the safety of our drinking water is uncertain.
Clean water is essential for the health of our families, farms, and economy, and we cannot afford to wait to take action. Farm-based nutrient runoff doesn’t just harm drinking water; it also raises treatment costs, harms aquatic life, and adds to broader environmental challenges downstream. However, solutions are available. Conservation practices like prairie strips, vegetative buffers, and a stronger, better-funded Nutrient Reduction Strategy can help keep pollutants out of our waterways. By investing in these effective tools now, we can create healthier communities, stronger farms, and safe environments for families to thrive, both today and for generations to come.
