In some communities swimming pools are empty and residents are urged to limit water usage. If it hasn’t happened where you live, consider yourself lucky, for now. Water is life, it is essential for every aspect of our existence. Yet, greedy corporations are threatening this vital resource for corporate gain through CO2 pipelines. Based on data from similar facilities and current ethanol usage, Summit’s carbon capture facilities across Iowa will require 3.36 billion gallons of water annually, drawing water from areas already struggling to meet demands for surrounding ethanol plants, industry, and municipal use.

Iowa’s aquifers, particularly the deep bedrock ones, take hundreds or even thousands of years to recharge. Yet, 90% of water for ethanol production comes from these aquifers, compared to much lower percentages for other uses. Shockingly, the DNR continues to hand out water permits, putting our precious water supply at risk.

We must act now to protect our land and our water. The Iowa DNR must deny any water withdrawal permits for carbon capture and conduct a comprehensive study on Iowa’s aquifers. Iowans must act now to stop this pipeline water grab. We cannot afford to let giant corporations deplete our precious water resources.

Published on June 9, 2024 in the Des Moines Register and June 12th in the Storm Lake Times Pilot