Des Moines, IA — On Thursday evening, amidst growing calls to reign in industrial agriculture’s cancer-linked water pollution, more than 50 Iowans attended a Secretary of Agriculture candidate forum hosted by Food & Water Action. Republican incumbent Mike Naig did not respond to multiple invitations to attend; Des Moines area residents spoke with Democratic candidate Chris Jones about his proposed solutions to rising nitrates in waterways.

Iowa has the nation’s highest waterway cancer-linked nitrate contaminations and fastest rising cancer rate, as well as more factory farms and pesticide use than any other state. Water quality has emerged as a key electoral issue. February polling commissioned by Food & Water Action found that 82% of Iowa voters would be more likely to vote for an elected official who makes it a top priority to protect clean water, including cutting industrial agriculture pollution.

Food & Water Action Senior Iowa Organizer Michaelyn Mankel issued the following statement:

“We know clean water is a motivating issue for Iowa voters — this year has proved it. After decades of industrial agriculture pollution, the issue will come to a head at the ballot box this fall. As our community struggles through a cancer crisis, it is clearer than ever that no one should have to wonder whether the water they drink will make them sick. The scores of people who turned out tonight have sent a clear message: Iowans are ready to elect clean water champions.”

This summer, Des Moines metro residents faced a second year of water restrictions and so far this year, Central Iowa Water Works’ nitrate removal facility has run a record 193 days to keep drinking water under the federal safety threshold, even as recent science suggests a more stringent standard is needed.