Action Center

As Catholics, we believe that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental, inalienable human right essential for life and human dignity. Iowa is facing significant water quality challenges, primarily driven by “nonpoint” source pollution such as agricultural runoff, nitrates, and sediment. This makes it harder to control and regulate. In some places our nitrate levels are some of the highest in the nation, according to the Iowa Environmental Council, possibly leading to a rise in cancer rates and serious health risks. There is even a strain in treatment capacity, which has led to some cities having water use restrictions.

We are called as Catholics to protect God’s creation, making sure it remains habitable and productive for the generations to come. Specifically, the Iowa Catholic Conference is supporting a $600,000 appropriation to maintain the statewide water quality monitoring program headquartered at the University of Iowa. Funding for this network was removed in 2023.

Please tell your legislators that safe and clean drinking water is critical for the health and environment for Iowa, and monitoring water quality is necessary for all.