Thirsty for answers

To the editor:

The breaking news last week was that Marion Reservoir was placed under an algae warning. It was mentioned that all of the largest communities in Marion County source their municipal drinking water from the reservoir.

Algae blooms are directly related to fertilizer runoff combined with warming water. In Kansas, it has been reported that at least 30% of private wells have unsafe levels of nitrates as measured by federal standards for safe drinking water.

The situation with water and water quality is not going to get better and quite likely will get much worse as the climate warms and we continue to use the same type of farming practices.

This is an issue that should be at the top of concerns for local, state, and federal government to work to find the best and longest lasting solutions for making sure citizens have access to clean water.

In 2000, when I ran for state representative for the 70th District, I basically had three issues that I prioritized: water quality and regulating confined animal feeding operations, increased state funding for public schools, and a children’s health insurance program.

Unfortunately, I seldom was able to debate these issues with my opponent, incumbent Don Dahl, in the town halls and forums before the election.

It seemed that we usually ended up discussing gun control, abortion, school prayer and the “homosexual agenda”.

These are all issues for discussion, but I felt that they were not as pressing for everyday life to the people of Marion County and the 70th District.

The situation has not changed and really has gotten worse as issues of the “culture wars” dominate our elections and serious issues like dealing with water supply and quality are ignored.

The Lakota have a saying, “mni wichoni” or “water is life.”

Harry E. Bennett
Madison, Wisconsin