Results from a recent study by Mower County’s Environmental Health department confirms the fears of many who live near the Cedar River.

Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Results from a recent study by Mower County’s Environmental Health department confirms the fears of many who live near the Cedar River.

It’s polluted.

So now that these results are on paper, we urge local and state environmental officials to help find a solution to remedy a problem that many towns would rather not have – including Austin.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did some testing on the Cedar River three years ago. The agency strongly suspects that waste showing up in the river is coming from failing septic systems and livestock.

One Austin resident she isn’t concerned about her drinking water, as proper amounts of chlorine should make it safe to drink.

However, this same resident said those who have well water may have something to worry about.

That’s a valid point. And here’s another one.

What happens if this area floods? Unfortunately, Austin’s been known a time or two during the last decade to endure some nasty flooding.

That’s bad enough. But’s it’s even more of a concern if that flooded water has waste floating around.

It’s going to take a collective effort by area citizens – and those on the local and state level – to help solve a problem that could only get worse if a solution isn’t found.