Judge Dismisses Des Moines Water Works Lawsuit Over Nitrates

"A federal judge has dismissed Des Moines Water Works' lawsuit against drainage districts in three northern Iowa counties the utility claimed are funneling high levels of nitrates into the Raccoon River, a source of drinking water for 500,000 central Iowa residents.

Federal Judge Leonard Strand dismissed all of Water Works’ claims against drainage districts in Sac, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties, determining that Iowa's water quality problems are an issue for the Iowa legislature to resolve.

The Des Moines utility sought to have the drainage districts, and indirectly farmers, regulated under the federal Clean Water Act as a "point source" of pollution, much like businesses and manufacturing plants."

Donnelle Eller reports for the Des Moines Register March 18, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"Des Moines Council To Vote Monday On Water Works Bill" (Des Moines Register)