Damages Not Allowed in Iowa Runoff Case

Des Moines Water Works will not be allowed to collect damages in a lawsuit aimed at forcing the state to regulate nutrients runoff in Iowa, according to a 104-page ruling from the Iowa Supreme Court on Friday.

DMWW filed a federal lawsuit in January 2015 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa in Sioux City against drainage districts in Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac counties. The counties northwest of Des Moines are part of the Raccoon River watershed. The lawsuit also names county supervisors.

One of the legal questions raised was whether DMWW could sue for monetary damages in the case.

In its ruling Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court said no. The ruling stated drainage districts have a limited, targeted role to help drain farmland so it is more productive.

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