I wish I was kidding about the number of 400,000 gallons. I can't even imagine how much poop that truly is.
Today, news broke that there was a discharge of 400,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge. The Iowa DNR stated in a press release:
"It is estimated that approximately 400,000 gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the river. Repairs are complete, and cleanup efforts have begun.
Any downstream recreational users should take caution and stay out of the river at this time. No dead fish have been observed at this time."
The Des Moines River could be such a unique and special watershed.
Instead, we have seen the watershed so polluted by nitrates from agricultural runoff of the farms in northwest Iowa that the Des Moines Water Works facility literally sued drainage districts because of how toxic the water was. Remember, this water is the drinking water source for 1/6 of Iowa's population.
Imagine if the Des Moines River had the water quality that it should- what a sweet smallmouth bass fishery it could be!
Now today, we are left with another instance of toxicity added to our waterways. Will there be consequences? How long will it be before we see additional pollution to the Des Moines River system? Remember, it is drinking water for 1/6th of the entire state of Iowa.
Should we, as the public, care about the water quality in our state? After all, we drink Iowa water.
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