To the editor:

While we agree with parts of recent articles that appeared in Tuesday’s Journal-World and Wednesday’s Topeka Capital-Journal regarding our Kansas River, we would like the community to view the situation from the middle of the road.

While livestock can be a source of pollution, so can pets, wildlife and wastewater treatment plants. Rural land as well as urban areas, including construction sites and eroding streambanks, also contribute to the situation. Improper disposal of hazardous waste such as paint, lawn chemicals and oil products lead to problems jeopardizing our water quality. Fertilizer and pesticides applied on cropland fields can be a source of pollution, but so can fertilizer and pesticides applied to lawns, golf courses and parks.

What is being done? Numerous ongoing programs and projects include waste system upgrades, stabilizing of streambanks, installing buffer strips along streams and rivers, installing and maintaining conservation practices such as terraces and waterways, proper disposal of household chemicals and promoting soil testing. Numerous organizations and agencies have extensive information and education programs that bring awareness to both the rural and urban citizens to understand their effect on water quality.

Every citizen is a part of the solution and benefits by protecting our water. Working together in a proactive manner should be our ultimate goal.

Don Palmateer, chairman,

Douglas County Conservation