Request for Water Use Increase Raises Concerns in Clayton County

A request by Pattison Company in Clayton County to nearly quadruple its water usage to more than three-point-seven billion gallons has raised concerns among county residents. 

The Pattison company already uses around one billion gallons of water a year in its quarry, and residents worry the increase could dry up their wells. Company manager Kyle Pattison says it’s not about expanding their operation – it’s about increased costs by not being able to use the water under them.

The DNR met with some residents last month to discuss some of their concerns, and one common issue was the long-term impact on water levels in the area if Pattison’s permit is approved. Pattison said increased water usage would leave water in the same levels as before.

Pattison says they are having little impact on the water system.

The city of Garnavillo wrote a letter to the DNR, sharing concerns about draining water from the area and possible water contamination. Pattison responds.

Pattison says the company wouldn’t necessarily use the full three-point-seven billion gallons of water the permit would allow, but it would use much more than it’s currently allowed.

story courtesy of Radio Iowa