Local officials are warning more than half a million Iowans in the state's capital city and suburbs that near-record level of pollutants in its rivers could make drinking water dangerous if immediate steps are not taken to reduce demand.

Des Moines City Council members unanimously — though reluctantly — approved changing the city ordinance at its meeting Monday, June 9, to allow people to set off fireworks at certain times on Fourth of July weekend and New Year's Eve. The council's vote was fast-tracked for approval, with council members voting to waive a second and third reading.