Iowa's water quality and cancer rates forced into forefront of state politics
Chemical fertilizers and animal waste contain nitrates and phosphorus that can get washed with rain or snowmelt into the state's rivers. That affects Iowa's more liberal urban centers which rely on rivers and lakes for drinking water.
Iowa's water quality and cancer rates have risen to the forefront of state politics this year. This is due to decades-old issues that have recently gained attention in debates, events, and campaign ads. Water pollution from chemical fertilizers and animal waste, which run off into rivers during rain or snowmelt, is a major concern.
Iowa, a top producer of corn, soybeans, and hogs, has historically avoided addressing the issue to protect its agricultural industry. However, urban and rural areas are now facing a shared crisis, with cancer rates being particularly high in both parts of the state. While some studies suggest a link between nitrates in water and certain cancers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not classified nitrates as a cancer risk.
Both Republican and Democratic candidates have acknowledged the need for investment in infrastructure, water quality monitoring, and conservation programs to ensure safe drinking water for all Iowans, emphasizing that water quality is not a partisan issue.
Written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
