The general assembly finds that:
1. Groundwater is a precious and vulnerable natural resource. The vast majority of persons in the state depend on groundwater as a drinking water source. Agriculture, commerce, and industry also depend heavily on groundwater. Historically, the majority of Iowa's groundwater has been usable for these purposes without treatment. Protection of groundwater is essential to the health, welfare, and economic prosperity of all citizens of the state.
2. Many activities of humans, including the manufacturing, storing, handling, and application to land of pesticides and fertilizers; the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes; the storing and handling of hazardous substances; and the improper construction and the abandonment of wells and septic systems have resulted in groundwater contamination throughout the state.
3. Knowledge of the health effects of contaminants varies greatly. The long-term detriment to human health from synthetic organic compounds in particular is largely unknown but is of concern.
4. Any detectable quantity of a synthetic organic compound in groundwater is unnatural and undesirable.
5. The movement of groundwater, and the movement of contaminants in groundwater, are often difficult to ascertain or control. Decontamination is difficult and expensive to accomplish. Therefore, preventing contamination of groundwater is of paramount importance.
87 Acts, ch 225, § 103
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