The public is invited to attend the first meeting hosted by a new clean water advocacy membership group, Driftless Water Defenders (DWD), Saturday, June 15, at 3 p.m., at Good Shepard Lutheran Church at 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah. DWD is an Iowa non-profit, 501(c)3 membership corporation which advocates, educates and litigates to defend Iowa citizens’ fundamental right to access clean water for their homes, businesses and recreational needs.
DWD is headed by author and clean-water advocate, President Chris Jones.
At the meeting, Jones will describe and answer questions about the deteriorating condition of lakes, aquifers, streams and rivers in Iowa’s Driftless area — some of which are becoming unsafe for drinking, fishing and swimming.
High nitrate pollution levels have been linked by research scientists to various cancers and are directly harmful to wildlife. Iowa currently has the second highest rate of cancer of any U.S. state; that cancer rate is rising faster than in any other state. Nitrate pollution also feeds algae blooms, which kill fish and can poison humans with cyanotoxins.
“The Driftless region has traditionally had some of the best-quality water in Iowa, but it is getting significantly worse and needs to be protected,” said Jones. “This inaugural meeting of DWD will introduce local residents to Driftless water pollution issues and describe ways that citizens can act to protect their water.”
Those who wish to become members of DWD will have the opportunity to do so at this free event.
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LITIGATION ! YAY !