National Water Quality Issues

Although vast improvements have been made in the quality of our nation’s waters, many of the original goals set forth by the Clean Water Act remain unachieved. The vision to eliminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters by 1985 was not met, and government agencies are currently issuing weak permits that continue to degrade or fail to protect waterways. Many lakes, rivers, and streams possess water quality inadequate to provide for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, as well as recreation in and on the water. Industry continues to dump poisonous pollutants in toxic amounts. Furthermore, the problems associated with non-point source pollution continue to compound water quality problems due to token government programs. Spurred by industry lobbyists, the Clean Water Act and the quality of our nation’s waters remains threatened by legal opinions and bureaucratic initiatives designed to weaken protections and profit polluters.

Water quality is an indicator of the health of the land, air, and our bodies. Everything eventually finds its way into the water and is circulated around the planet. Clean, potable water is quickly becoming more valuable than oil and is predicted to be the impetus behind global conflicts in the near future. It is cheaper and easier to protect water than it is to clean up after it becomes polluted. The decisions we make today and the outcome of national policy debates on water quality issues to protect and preserve or, adversely, pollute our waterways will determine the quality of life for future generations and all sustainable life on this planet. Please let your government representatives know that water quality protection is vital to you, to all life, and should be vital to them as well.