Iowa Grandparents Push Lawmakers on Water Pollution, Cancer Concerns

Environmental advocates and concerned grandparents from Atlantic are urging state lawmakers to expand water quality monitoring statewide amid rising cancer rates.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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More than 700 sections of rivers, lakes and wetlands in Iowa are categorized as "impaired" and too polluted for recreation or drinking, according to a recent report. The state also has the second highest cancer rate in the nation, and environmental groups say the two issues are linked. Now, concerned grandparents and local advocates are pushing state lawmakers to do something about it, calling for increased water quality monitoring to protect their grandchildren's future.

Why it matters

Iowa's high cancer rates and widespread water pollution have raised alarms among residents, who see a connection between the two issues. Grandparents and environmental groups are advocating for stronger state action to address these concerns and safeguard public health, especially for future generations.

The details

Denise O'Brien and Larry Harris helped found the Nishna Water Defenders group after a fertilizer spill into the East Nishnabotna River two years ago. They've been concerned about chemicals in farming for decades. Retired science teacher Brad Rasmussen and his wife Lorrie took their fears for their five grandchildren to the state legislature this week, with Rasmussen saying he doesn't want his grandkids to lose the natural environment he's enjoyed. The group is calling for more state funding to install additional water monitoring sensors around Iowa so communities can detect contamination.

  • Two years ago, a fertilizer spill into the East Nishnabotna River prompted the founding of the Nishna Water Defenders group.
  • This week, concerned grandparents traveled to the state legislature to advocate for action on water quality and cancer rates.

The players

Denise O'Brien

Co-founder of the Nishna Water Defenders group, who has been concerned about chemicals in farming for decades.

Larry Harris

Co-founder of the Nishna Water Defenders group, who has been concerned about chemicals in farming for decades.

Brad Rasmussen

Retired science teacher who took his concerns about water pollution and its impact on his five grandchildren to the state legislature.

Lorrie Rasmussen

Wife of Brad Rasmussen, who accompanied him to the state legislature to advocate for action on water quality and cancer rates.

Chuck Grassley

U.S. Senator from Iowa who acknowledged the link between chemicals in water and cancer rates when speaking with high school students.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody knows somebody that has cancer of some sort.”

— Larry Harris, Co-founder, Nishna Water Defenders (3newsnow.com)

“Harper would go, 'Trash is yucky' and that kind of got me thinking we need to do something because that trash ends up in the water.”

— Brad Rasmussen, Retired science teacher (3newsnow.com)

“The farmers are caught in a trap. And it's unfortunate and it's our agricultural policy at the national level.”

— Denise O'Brien, Co-founder, Nishna Water Defenders (3newsnow.com)

“My grandkids aren't going to be able to survive and see what I've been able to enjoy for the 69 years that I've been alive.”

— Brad Rasmussen, Retired science teacher (3newsnow.com)

“Chemicals in water, and things along that line, and a lot of it is associated with farming...”

— Chuck Grassley (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

The group is calling for the state legislature to allocate more funding to install additional water monitoring sensors around Iowa so communities can detect contamination.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns among Iowa residents about the link between water pollution and high cancer rates in the state. Grandparents and environmental advocates are urging state lawmakers to take decisive action to address these issues and protect public health, especially for future generations.