The onus is not solely on the Iowa Legislature to respond. But lawmakers control some large purse strings and are obviously best situated to dictate policy changes.

For years, Iowans have begged their state lawmakers to agree on something they can do to restore and protect the state’s putrid waterways and lakes. For years, majority-Republican lawmakers have shrugged in response.

The problem is every bit as severe and as urgent as in the past, so water quality again tops our to-do list for the Legislature. Advocates have been explicit for a long time about steps that could help and are within the state’s means.

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