vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(4102)
Washington, DC 20460
800-R-96-002
May 1996
A Summertime Perspective on the Importance of
Clean Water to the Nation's Economy
-------
Edmund S. Muskie
1914-1996
This report is dedicated to the memory of Edmund Muskie, an American states-
man from Maine who served our nation as a Secretary of State, as a United States
Senator, and as a strong advocate for the environment
The following observation, which captures the central theme of this report, was
made by Mr. Muskie during a speech in 1966.
"High quality water is more than the dream of conservationists, more
than a political slogan; high quality water in the right quantity at the
right place at the right time, is essential to health, recreation, and
economic growth "
Thirty years later, it still holds true.
-------
Assets:
A Summertime Perspective
on the Importance of Clean Water
to the Nation's Economy
-------
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Washington, DC
Second printing, August 1996
-------
Executive Summary iv
Clean Water: A National Asset, A National Challenge 1
The Business of Clean Water: A Look at How Water Quality
Affects Major Economic Sectors 3
Recreation and Tourism: Rivaling the Fortune 500 3
Commercial Fishing: What a Catch 6
Agriculture: A Bountiful Market 7
Real Estate: Location, Location, Location 8
Manufacturing: The Universal Solvent Is Also a Key Ingredient... 10
Environmental Technology: New Products, New Markets 11
Clean Water Insurance: Our Three Major Water Laws 12
Clean Water Act 12
Safe Drinking Water Act 13
Ocean Dumping Act 13
Joint Ventures: How EPA Works in Partnership
to Improve Our Waters and Protect Public Health 14
Restoring Valuable Ecosystems : 14
Targeting High-Priority Problems 17
Investing in Technology and Infrastructure 19
Conclusion 20
A Final Footnote 21
Bibliography 23
Photographic Acknowledgments 24
1
-------
Each year, the Memorial Day weekend
launches a busy season of recreational
activity around America's rivers, lakes,
and beaches. In addition to^providing
fun and relaxation, these activities also
provide a major boost for our nation's
economy. Billions of dollars are spent
on food, lodging, gas, special equipment,
licenses, and services, all so people can
enjoy themselves on and around the
water.
But, the dividends from clean water are
not limited to just the recreation and
tourism industry. From Main Street to
Wall Street to the family farm, clean
water affects the profits and growth
potential of many other economic
sectors, including agriculture, commer-
cial fishing, real estate, and manufactur-
ing. This report, Liquid Assets: A
Summertime Perspective on the Impor-
tance of Clean Water to the Nation's
Economy, provides a snapshot of these
sectors to highlight how and why clean
water and a safe, clean environment are
so important to economic prosperity and
healthy, thriving communities.
Clean water is a vital
commodity for major sectors
of the U.S. economy.
- Beaches, rivers, and lakes are the
number one vacation choice for
Americans, helping to support a
flourishing recreation and tourism
industry. Each year, Americans take
over 1.8 billion trips to go fishing,
swimming, or boating, or just to
relax around favorite water destina-
tions.
- About 15 percent of American farm
lands use irrigation to support
operations—and maintain our
lucrative position as "breadbasket to
the world." Crops grown on irrigated
lands are valued at nearly $70
billion a year—about 40 percent of
the total value of all crops sold.
- The $45 billion commercial fishing
and shellfishing industry needs
clean water in order to deliver
products safe for us to eat. Americans
now eat 15 pounds of fish and
shellfish per person a year.
- On average, the value of real estate
along desirable water areas is
nearly 30 percent greater than
similar properties located inland.
A Money magazine survey found
that clean water and clean air are
the two most important factors
Americans consider in choosing a
place to live.
- Manufacturers use about 13 trillion
gallons of water every year—more
than 9 times the volume that flows
through the Mississippi River into
the Gulf of Mexico every day. The
soft drink manufacturing industry
alone uses over 12 billion gallons of
water a year to produce products
valued at more than $50 billion.
Clean water means jobs.
- The recreation and tourism
industry is the second largest .
employer in the country after health
care, providing jobs for over 6
million Americans.
- Agriculture, which relies on clean
water for livestock and crops, pro-
vides farm jobs for over 3 million
people. The largest agricultural sec-
tor, cattle production, employs over
186,000 people on the farm and
over a million more in other areas of
the economy.
- The environmental technology
industry is creating jobs at twice
the rate of the U.S. economy as a
whole, now employing over one
million people.
- Over a quarter of a million people
work to harvest fish and shellfish
from the Great Lakes, the Gulf of
Mexico, and other waterbodies that
serve as "protein factories" around
the country.
Clean water means profits.
- With sales of more than $380
billion, the recreation and tourism
industry provides a $22 billion
trade surplus, the highest of all
economic sectors. Annual sales for
just three activities—fishing,
boating, and viewing and hunting
ducks and other birds—is estimated
at nearly $45 billion.
- Using clean water for irrigation and
raising animals, American farmers
produce and sell over $174 billion
worth of food and fiber products
every year. The cattle industry, with
sales of more than $40 billion,
provides one-fourth of the world's
beef.
- Our fleet of commercial fishing
vessels delivers fish and shellfish
products worth $3.5 billion a year,
a value that increases by more than
tenfold in the commercial market-
place. In Puget Sound, an acre of
shellfishing beds produces oysters,
mussels, and other products worth
between $40,000 and $60,000 every
three years.
- The clean water technology
industry has sales of over $64
billion a year here in the U.S. and
over $170 billion abroad. With an
international environmental market
expected to double by the turn of
the century, the forecast for future
earnings looks promising.
-------
Clean water provides a major
stimulus for healthy, thriving
local economies.
In communities across the country,
clean water is often a critical factor in
determining economic conditions.
- In rural West Virginia, white-water
rivers attract 200,000 people a year
for rafting trips, and help support
the State's $2.5 billion recreation
and tourism industry.
- In South Florida, the total value of
all uses of the Indian River Estuary
is estimated at over $700 million a
year.
- In the West, recreational activity
around Lake Mead National Park
generates spending of nearly
$940 million a year.
These profiles show that for businesses
and communities throughout the
country, clean water can mean the
difference between economic decline
and a bright, prosperous future. They
also show just why clean water needs
such special care and attention.
The national portfolio of
water resources is large and
diverse...
3.5 million miles of rivers and
streams
41 million acres of lakes
58,000 miles of shoreline
34,400 square miles of estuaries
(excludes Alaska)
278 million acres of wetlands
33,000 trillion gallons of ground
water
...but so are the challenges of
managing it.
While seemingly plentiful,
clean water is a resource at
risk.
- Our drinking water supply is one of
the safest in the world, but one out
of every five people receives water
from a facility that violates a
national safety requirement.
- Our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
are cleaner today than 25 years ago,
yet nearly 40 percent are still too
polluted for safe swimming or
fishing.
- Wetland losses have been signifi-
cantly reduced, but between 70,000
and 90,000 acres are still lost every
year.
- Advisories or bans have been issued
for more than 1,500 waterbodies to
protect the public from eating
chemically contaminated fish.
- One out of every three shellfishing
beds is closed for harvest.
- More than 2,000 beaches were
closed in 1994 to protect the public
from harmful bacteria and other
pollutants found in the water.
These problems represent major chal-
lenges that defy quick and easy solu-
tions. Firm commitment and strong
partnerships involving individuals and
organizations from the public and
private sectors offer the greatest promise
for ensuring clean water in the future.
Under the Clinton
Administration, EPA has led
and supported multiple
partnerships to provide safe,
clean water for our
communities.
- A national drinking water loan
program was proposed to help
communities meet their drinking
water needs. This program/which
establishes a powerful financial
partnership between EPA and the
States, marks the first time ever that
ensuring safe drinking water has
been made a federal investment
priority.
National guidance was issued to
better control raw sewage spills—
spills that can cause beach and
shellfishing bed closures—in more
than 1,000 communities. This
consensus product, developed with
State and local governments,
industry and environmentalists,
provides for sound environmental
management at one-fourth the cost
of previous proposals.
A historic consensus agreement on
water allocation was negotiated
among multiple parties, including
farmers, urban users and environ-
mentalists in California's Bay-Delta
region. The common sense agree-
ment broke a ten-year deadlock on
one of the area's most difficult
issues.
Following extensive negotiations
with the States, industries and other
interested parties, national guidance
was issued to reduce the flow of
toxic pollution into the Great Lakes.
By ensuring more consistent
standards of performance, the
guidance provides for a safer,
cleaner environment and a more
level economic playing field among
competitors.
One of America's most unique
ecosystems—the Florida Ever-
glades— is being restored. A
comprehensive approach, including
$1.5 billion in federal funding, is
helping to speed up the restoration
process.
-------
Wi*
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore visit a wildlife and recreation area
along the Chesapeake Bay.
-------
Good News, Bad News
The Current Condition of Our
Nation's Water Resources
. Our drinking water supply is one of
the safest in the world, but...
...one out of every five people receives
water from a facility violating a national
safety requirement.
Our rivers, lakes and coastal waters are
cleaner today than 25years ago, but...
100
80
70
g-
-
rivers lakes estuaries
...nearly 40 percent of those surveyed
are still too polluted for safe fishing or
swimming.
Wetland losses have been
significantly reduced, but...
300 290
8
-o
I 100
o
mid 1970s- mid 1980s-
mid 1980s early 1990s
..between 70,000 and 90,000 acres
• • are still lost every year.
A National Asset,
A National Challenge
Eadhbyear, the Memorial Day weekend
launches a busy season of recreational
activity around America's beaches,
lakes, and streams. In fact, these areas
are our number one vacation choice. In
addition to providing relaxation and
family fun, travel to these areas also
provides a boost to our national
economy. Billions of dollars are spent
each year for food, lodging, gas, as well
as special equipment, licenses, and
services, all so people can enjoy them-
selves on and around the water.
The impact of clean water on the
recreation and tourism industry is
profound. But, the same is true for many
other sectors of our economy, hi many
ways, clean water is the fuel that powers
the nation's economic engine. Commer-
cial fishing, agriculture, real estate, and
manufacturing are just a few of the
sectors which rely on clean water to
operate and ensure productivity.
Despite the many benefits that water
provides for society and our economy,
some communities are unable to use
local water resources to their full
advantage. Contaminated drinking
water supplies, fish kills, and beach
closures are just a few of the problems
that communities can face. These
problems, which can have far-reaching
consequences, call for continued
environmental vigilance.
America's Water Resources: A Large and Diverse Portfolio
square miles
of estuaries*
3.5million
miles of rivers
and streams
8,0
of ocean
shoreline
41 million
acres
of lakes
27€ million
acfi§s of
lands
*Excludes Alaska
-------
What Is Water Worth?
The answer is over $700
million a year for the waters
of Indian River Lagoon, an
estuary along South Florida's
Atlantic coast. An economic
evaluation was undertaken to
support development of a
comprehensive plan for
managing the estuary. The
results, based on a number
of uses by those living in the
area, show that the people
there are wise to invest in its
protection.
Use
Recreational Fishing
Swimming
Boating
Nature Observation
Water Sports
Hunting
Passive Use
Commercial Shellfishing
Riverfront Real Estate
Total Value
Increasingly, the evidence shows that
strong environmental protection and a
strong, healthy economy go hand in
hand. A study by the Institute for
Southern Studies showed that states
with the best environmental records
also offered the best job opportunities
and climate for economic develop-
ment. Similarly, a study out of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
found that States with stronger
environmental standards outperformed
those xvith weaker standards on all
economic measures.
This report, Liquid Assets: A Summer-
time Perspective on the Importance of
Clean Pt&ter to the Nation's Economy,
demonstrates the linkage between a
strong economy and clean water by
focusing on specific sectors. Sector
profiles were developed using statisti-
cal data from federal agencies, or using
appropriate information from other
relevant sources, such as trade organi-
zations or individuals working in a
particular business. In addition, the
report provides information on our
nations's clean water laws, on the
many efforts underway to help im-
prove water quality in communities
throughout the country, and on the
many challenges that still lie ahead.
The Economy and the Environment
The states
with the best
record of
environmental
stewardship...
...often have
the healthiest
economies.
Best
Source: The Institute for Southern Studies
-------
A Look at How Water Quality Affects Major
Economic Sectors
What do soft drink manufacturing, river rafting companies, and
the commercial fishing industry have in common? They all
have a basic need for clean water. Day in and day out, these
and other sectors of the U.S. economy rely on clean water to
grow, process or deliver their products and services. In various
ways, water quality can either help or hurt productivity. Take a
look at a few sectors for which clean water is a vital commodity.
Recreation and Tourism: Rivaling the Fortune 500
An abundance of beautiful beaches,
white water rivers, and calm, cool lakes
is one of the factors contributing to a
flourishing recreation and tourism
industry in this country. Water has a
powerful attraction for people, one that
is translating into jobs and profits for our
economy. In 1993, recreation and
tourism was the second largest employer
in the nation behind only the health
care industry. It provided jobs for over 6
million people, and generated sales of
over $380 billion, nearly three times the
amount of farm products. The industry
has a $22 billion trade surplus, the
largest of any sector in the U.S.
economy.
When people decide to plan vacations
and travel for pleasure, there is a strong
tendency to head toward the water, ha
fact, a 1994 Roper Survey found that
beaches, rivers, and lakes are Ameri-
cans' top vacation choices followed by
federal and state parks. About a fourth
of the population goes swimming every
year, making it our second most popular
recreational activity behind walking.
All total, Americans make an estimated
1.8 billion trips a year to enjoy boating,
fishing, swimming or just relaxing
around the water.
About 300 million trips are made every
year to go boating. Over half of these
trips involve power boating, but sailing
and paddle sports, such as kayaking,
canoeing, and rafting, are popular, too.
Boating sales are estimated at over $14
billion a year, and over 6,000 companies
Heading to the Water
Number of Trips Taken Annually
"beaches, rivers, and
lakes are Americans1
top vacation choices"
are involved in manufacturing boats,
trailers, motors and accessory items.
The recreational marine boating indus-
try alone employs about 600,000 people.
A significant portion of recreational
spending is tied to fish and wildlife,
both of which require high-quality water
and habitat, such as wetlands, for
survival. Nearly 49 million American
anglers spend $24 billion a year pursu-
ing their sport, ultimately generating $69
billion for our economy. If sportfishing
were incorporated as a single business,
it would rank 27th on the Fortune 500
List of top sales producers, surpassing
such giants as Coca-Cola, GTE, and Dow
Chemical.
Ducks and Other birds that depend on
clean water also generate economic
activity for the recreation and tourism
industry. In 1991, nearly 3 million
people spent about $544 million hunting
migratory waterfowl. And even more
Americans watch and photograph them.
Over 19 million people participate every
year, spending over $3 billion, and
generating nearly $10 billion in total
economic activity. When all birds, not
just waterfowl, are factored in, the
impact is even more significant. The
-------
The Return of Recreation on the Potomac
The Potomac River, which flows through the nation's capital,
provides one of the best examples of how water quality can
limit or enhance recreational opportunities for people living in
or visiting an area. For decades the Potomac suffered from the
harmful effects of water pollution. As early as 1894, the U.S.
Public Health Service declared, "At certain times of the year, the
Potomac River is so loaded with sediments as to be unfit for
bathing as well as for drinking and cooking purposes." In 1965,
President Lyndon Johnson called the Potomac a "national disgrace"
and promised to have "clean water by 1975."
Over time, dramatic improvements have
been made, largely as a result of the Clean
Water Act of 1972. The legislation was
the foundation for stronger environmental
performance standards and federal
funding. These funds helped to build a
state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant
which now treats over 70 percent of the
region's waste before discharging it into
the Potomac. Improved sewage treat-
ment is recognized as the single biggest
factor in the Potomac's restoration.
1960s: Fish kills were commonplace.
With improvements made in sewage
treatment, more recent efforts have focused on reducing another major pollution
source—polluted runoff from urban and rural areas. In 1987, a landmark agree-
ment was reached between Federal, State, and local governments in the region
which called for reducing nutrient loadings, such as fertilizers, by 40 percent by the
year 2000. The agreement focused on the Chesapeake Bay, but as a major bay
tributary, it also applies to the Potomac.
Today, the Potomac River is a much cleaner and safer body of water. Restaurants
and shops line the river in Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria. A bass fishing
industry has been established, and the river
has been the sight of national and regional
fishing tournaments. In total, the economic
benefit of recreation and other uses of the
river is estimated at about $120 million a year
for Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and
Washington, D.C.
Nina Wilson, owner of Potomac Party Cruises
since the late 1970s, offers a glimpse of how
water quality has improved over the years,
and what these improvements have meant for
her business. Speaking of earlier conditions,
she said "I was ashamed of the unsightly,
filthy, smelly water of the Potomac. In
particular, luncheon business suffered as a
result of noticeably poor water quality in the
light of day." Today, her business thrives, and
annual revenues have increased by tens of
thousands of dollars. These increases are
dearly linked to a cleaner environment.
According to Ms. Wilson, "the Potomac is
much, much cleaner and more inviting." 1990s: A fishing guide at work.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates
that nearly 30 million people participate,
and the total economic impact is nearly
$20 billion. Birdwatching, in particular,
is a high growth sport. In just the past 5
years, the American Birding Association
has seen its membership nearly triple.
Water-based recreation can have
significant impacts for local, State, or
regional economies. Tony Fedler of the
Sport Fishing Institute commented in
Fisheries Magazine, that "Many state
governments are beginning to recognize
the economic payoffs of helping attract
more fishers and increasing good fishing
opportunities. By investing in boat
ramps, fishing piers, aquatic habitat,
angler education, fish stocking, and
similar programs, communities are
helping their economy by attracting
more anglers."
West Virginia is just one State that has
recognized and moved to capitalize on
its ecological riches. With over 29,000
miles of rivers, West Virginia offers some
of the country's best white-water rafting.
In 1994, over 200,000 people enjoyed
rafting trips on five commercially
regulated rivers. The State now brings
in over $2.5 billion a year from all
tourism activities, and business contin-
ues to grow.
In the western United States, recre-
ational use of the Colorado River is
valued at about $100 million a year.
Lake Mead National Park provides
another major economic stimulus for the
region. The park is visited by over 9
million people, and collectively, these
visitors spend nearly $940 million.
-------
Given the strong attraction of water as a
recreational choice, the future growth
and prosperity of the tourism industry is
certain to be affected by water quality
conditions. Commenting on the medical
waste wash-ups that closed New York
and New Jersey beaches in 1988, real
estate agent Jack McHugh stated, "No
one came back in 1989. We are usually
completely booked-up by March. That
year, we sat around waiting for the
phone to ring." Economic losses to the
region were estimated at more than
$4 billion. In 1994, sewage and health
concerns about other pollutants led
States to close nearly 2,300 beaches to
the public.
Economic losses also result when
recreational fisheries are placed off
limits. In 1995, States issued fish
consumption advisories or bans for over
1,500 rivers and lakes where the fish
were too contaminated to eat. Mercury is
the toxic pollutant most often causing
these advisories. While specific data
regarding the impact of these advisories
on recreational fishing do not exist,
warning signs along a river clearly
diminish the joy of the fishing experi-
ence—and quite possibly, economic
opportunity for the local community.
Fish Consumption Advisories in the United States
Number of Advisories in Effect
(September 1994)
C=l 0
i i 1-10
11-20
21-30
31-50
51-100
HH >100
: Statewide Advisory
Major Eastern Whitewater Rivers Ranked by Annual User Days
A*-Sii£".., S'5ft£/« Ii%
'..' '*£*
^SKIP??
•
':" >.;-v'
'•••'"''•-<
'•flff:?
&£*=«&?;*
RIVER
LeHigh
Youghiogheny
Nantahala
Ocohee
New
Shenandoah
Chattooga
l23 Cheat
Gauley
Kennebec
Penobscot (W. Branch)
Nolichucky
Indian-Hudson
si Total
STATE ANNUAL USE
PA
PA
NC
TN
WV
WV/MD .
GA/SC '
WV
WV
ME
ME
TN
NY
129,350
125,000
100,000
90,000
83,000
60,000
55,129
40,000
25,000
14,400
12,000
8,000
3,500
745,379
-------
Reopening of Sheltfishing Beds in
Puget Sound
Thanks to the effort of scores of people,
from public officials to farmers to
homeowners to volunteers, dam and
oyster harvesting has recently been
allowed again in at least four areas of
Puget Sound. Although more than
20,000 acres of Washington's commer-
cial shell fish beds still remain closed,
there has been success in reducing
pollution that had caused some beds to
be closed for as long as 12 years. "The
oyster industry is more prosperous than
ever," says Tim Smith of the Pacific
Coast Oyster Growers Association. "It
also has a more uncertain future. It's all
about the water."
The revival of the half shell trade,
coupled with a booming Asian market,
has helped turn Washington's $40
million a year oyster industry into the
nation's largest. Mussels and clams,
produced almost exclusively in Puget
Sound, generate an additional $18
million annually. An acre of oyster
tidelands can yield about $40,000 to
$60,000 every three years, depending
on the location and oceanic conditions.
Since 1986, the State has prohibited or
restricted oyster harvesting on nearly
45,000 acres of shellfish beds—a
quarter of all available grounds in Puget
Sound. The culprit is usually poorly
treated waste contaminating the
waters. A number of steps have helped
reduce this contamination. For
example, about 100 farmers in the
Burley Lagoon watershed have cooper-
ated with the Kitsap Conservation
District to cover manure piles, construct
fences along streams to keep animals
out, and rotate grazing areas to reduce
runoff from erosion. Also, a major
campaign was launched to identify and
upgrade failing septic systems in the
watershed.
"Homeowners and farmers have
worked hard to improve their sewage
systems, farm management practices,
and to stop the pollution that was
damaging Burley Lagoon, "stated Eric
Slagle, an Assistant Secretary of the
State Department of Health. "It's great
to see that effort pay off."
Commercial
Fishing:
What a Catch
H.L. Mencken, an American jour-
nalist, once compared the Chesa-
peake Bay to a giant protein factory.
Every year, our nation's protein facto-
ries—the Great Lakes, the Gulf of •
Mexico, and other coastal areas—pro-
duce over 10 billion pounds of fish and
shellfish. Producing fish and shellfish
for consumption and industrial uses,
these fisheries are valued at $3.5 billion
annually. However, once these products
enter the retail market, the value in-
creases more than tenfold. Americans
now eat an average of 15 pounds of fish
a year, collectively spending $35 billion.
An additional $7 billion is sold every
year to our trading partners.
The vessels and ports which support the
commercial fishing industry generate
additional revenues for the economy.
Our commercial fishing fleet includes
nearly 70,000 vessels and boats, and
employs 250,000 people. But, there is
reason to be worried about this
industry's future.
Data from the National Marine Fisheries
Service show declining populations for
many species, including salmon, bluefin
tuna, cod, haddock, and flounder. These
declines can be linked to a number of
factors, most notably overfishing. But
environmental degradation is a key factor,
too. Wetlands, for example, provide
critical habitat during various life cycle
phases for about 70 percent of all com-
mercial fish species. While wetland
losses have been significantly reduced in
recent years, about 70,000 - 90,000 acres
are still lost annually. Polluted runoff
from urban and rural areas, and impacts
from poorly treated sewage, represent
additional stressors. Shellfish, such as
oysters, clams, and mussels, extract their
food by filtering water over their gills. If
these waters are contaminated, the
shellfish can become contaminated too.
To protect the public from eating unsafe
products, States may restrict or close
shellfishing beds. The result can be a
significant loss of revenue. In 1994,
nearly one out of every three shellfish
beds was closed or placed under special
restrictions by States.
-------
Agriculture:
A Bountiful Market
Water is an absolute necessity for
ensuring agricultural productivity.
Without water, there would be no
farming in this country—no fruits, no
vegetables, no grain, and no livestock.
The loss would be seen on the dinner
table—and nationally, in the gross
domestic product.
American farmers produce food and
fiber products worth $174 billion a year.
In 1994, the industry provided jobs for
about 3 million people. The cattle
industry represents the largest sector of
the agricultural economy. With sales of
over $40 billion a year, this industry
supports about 186,000 farm jobs and
over a million more jobs in other areas
of the economy.
Other products, not always recognized
as part of the agricultural industry,
contribute, too. For example, those
poinsettias purchased by so many
Americans during the holidays generate
over $170 million a year. Farm-raised
fish are another agricultural product,
and as an industry, aquaculture contin-
ues to grow strongly. The U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture reports the industry
has grown by 20 percent per year since
1980.
Agriculture is an important industry in
every state. From cranberry bogs
in Massachusetts, to corn fields in
Kansas, to potato farms in Idaho,
agriculture provides jobs and helps
boost our economy. All together,
American farmers produce over 165
different agricultural products, making
this nation the "breadbasket to the
world." In 1994, the U.S. exported over
Did You Know....
Each year, one American farmer
provides food and fiber for 129
people—97 in the U.S. and 32
abroad.
One-fourth of the world's beef
and nearly one-fifth of the world's
grain, milk, and eggs are pro-
duced in the U.S.
About 7 5 percent of America's
2 million farms use irrigation.
Oh, How Does Your
Garden Grow?
Gallons of water
needed to produce a
single food serving...
2500
1000
900
800
w 700
J 600
g, 500
400
300
200
100
0
6 36 65 100 408 2,607
Wisconsin Farmers Save Money and
Protect Water Quality
Farmers all over the country are
finding it makes good environmental
and economic sense to cut down on
the amount of fertilizers and
pesticides that are wasted when rain
washes them off farmland. Farmers
in Wisconsin's Lake Mendota
watershed, for example, took the
guesswork out of nutrient applica-
tion, basing their fertilizer rates on
soil test results. They reduced
phosphorus application by more
than 50 percent on more than
30,000 acres and saved $200,000 in
the process.
$45 billion in products. Record sales of
$60 billion are forecast for 1996.
Water, in combination with rich agricul-
tural lands and technological advance-
ments, helps make all this productivity
possible. Irrigation for agriculture
represents our nation's single largest use
of fresh water—about 40 percent. An
estimated 136 billion gallons are used
daily to irrigate crops. About 4.5 billion
gallons are used to raise livestock,
including horses and farm-raised fish, as
well as other animals raised for meat,
eggs, dairy products, wool, and fur.
Having sufficient quantity is the most
important water issue for farmers. But
quality matters, too. Today many farmers
are working hard to manage their
operations in a more environmentally
sound manner.
-------
Real Estate Values Around
Lake Champlain
A study of real estate values around Lake
Champlain in the mid-80s demonstrated
the real-world effect that pollution can
have in a community and on peoples'
pocketbooks. Property values in an area
of the lake with good water quality were
compared to those in an area of poorer
water quality. On average, houses in the
better quality areas were worth about
20 percent more—a $4,500 difference •
for these homeowners.
Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to real estate, a waterfront
view is a prime selling feature—as long as
the water is clean. Ocean, lake, or
riverfront properties often sell or rent for
several times the value of similar proper-
ties located inland. In fact, according to
the National Association of Home Build-
ers, proximity to water raises the value of
a home by about 28 percent. Similarly, a
1991 American Housing Survey found
that "when all else is equal, the price of a
home located within 300 feet from a body
of water increases by up to 28 percent."
Community and business leaders also
understand the potential value of
waterfront locations. Today, waterfronts
are often a focal point for urban renewal
in many cities. These opportunities are
due, in part, to the federal Clean Water
Act. Prior to passage, many of our rivers
and waterfronts were so polluted that
no one wanted to go near them, much
less invest in new development. As an
example, the Nashua River in New
Hampshire was reported to be so
degraded that some property along the
Waterfronts Act as Magnets
Clockwise from top left: Mississippi River, New Orleans; Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore Harbor; Willamette River, Portland; Cuyahoga River, Cleveland
-------
river was actually assessed as "worth-
less" because of the poor conditions.
Today, because of cleaner water and
revitalization efforts along the Nashua
River and in other communities,
waterfront areas are often considered
"priceless" by those who enjoy them.
They act as a strong magnet for busi-
ness, tourists, and local residents.
Restaurants, shops, and aquariums are
springing up in areas that were once no
more than dilapidated urban-wastelands.
Many communities now hold festivals
and other special events to celebrate the
beauty and bounty of their waters.
These events are held because people
recognize and value the contribution
that a river or lake or beach can have in
enhancing their overall quality of life.
Clean water consistently ranks as a
leading quality of life indicator. Each
year, Money magazine conducts a "Best
Places To Live" survey, and in 1995,
clean water and air were the two most
important factors for choosing a place to
live, over low crime rates, plentiful
doctors or hospitals, or low taxes.
The Change in Chattanooga
What happens when a city receives the title of most polluted city in the country? This
label, attached by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1970,
served as a wake-up call for Chattanooga, Tennessee, a city of 150,000 which sits on a
bend of the Tennessee River in the southeastern comer of the State. Chattanooga has
transformed itself with a major focus on cleaner water, and today, it receives interna-
tional recognition as a model of sustainable development. In fact, it was recently
chosen as one of 21 areas selected for study by President Clinton's Council on Sustain-
able Development.
Over the years, easy access to transportation by railway and the river helped Chatta-
nooga grow into a small industrial city. With this growth came pollution, and by the
1960s, the haze in the air was so thick that headlights were sometimes necessary at
midday, and the river was unsafe for fishing or swimming.
In 1984, after years of decay, concerned citizens and members of the business commu-
nity established "Chattanooga Venture" to tackle the city's problems. A group of over
1,700 community members reached consensus on 40 goals that included water quality,
air quality, economic development, transportation, education, and housing. Together,
they showed a desire for a strong local economy, but also dean air, recreational use of
their river, and locally caught fish that were safe to eat.
Restoration of the waterfront was a top priority, and over the next 10 years, deteriorat-
ing warehouses and piers were removed to open up access and views of the river. In
1992, the Tennessee Aquarium opened with a focus on freshwater fish and their river
and lake habitats. Built at a cost of $45 million, it generated $ 133 million during fts first
year of operation. About 1.3 million people now, visit every year.
Waterfront space was also revitalized for a new 4-acre park and plaza area, known as
Ross's Landing. Today, the area provides residents and visitors with open space as well
as shopping and restaurants. In addition, about 2 miles of a planned 22-mile-long park
along the eastern shore have been completed, providing recreational benefits for
cyclists, pedestrians, skaters, and anglers. Mixed commercial and residential buildings
are also planned along this greenway.
The improvements that have been made to Chattanooga's waterfront led James
Yenckel, writer for the Washington Post Sunday Travel Section to write, "By reinvesting
in its river heritage, Chattanooga seems to have restored its faith in itself, and it
appears—at least to my eyes—to be well on its way to becoming one of the prettiest
cities for its size in America."
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Manufacturing: The Universal Solvent Is
Also a Key Ingredient
The size and nature of American
industries vary widely, and yet, in one
way or another, nearly all of them share
a common need—a reliable source of
water to support operations. In some
cases, water is needed primarily for
production purposes, such as in the
manufacturing of computer chips or
steel. In others, clean water is an essential
ingredient in the final product, such as
soft drinks and pharmaceuticals.
m
"My company requires
high-quality water to
produce a high-quality
product."
The most recent data on water used in
all manufacturing was last gathered by
the Bureau of the Census over a decade
ago. At that time, manufacturing
companies used over 13 trillion gallons
of water a year—more than 9 times the
volume that flows from the Mississippi
River into the Gulf of Mexico every day.
About 84 percent of total use was
attributed to four major industries—
chemicals, metals, paper products, and
petroleum.
Bringing Products to Market:
How Many Gallons of Water Are Used...?
To process a quarter pound of hamburger?
To make one board foot of lumber?
To process one can of fruit or vegetables?
To process one chicken?
To make one pound of plastic?
To make one pound of wool or cotton?
To refine one barrel of crude oil?
To make four new tires?
To manufacture a new car, including tires?
To produce one ton of steel?
More recent data on
water are available
from specific
industries. For
example, water is
clearly vital to beverage
manufacturers, and
according to its national
trade association, the soft drink __
industry uses over 12 billion
gallons of water a year. Use is also
high for malt beverage producers—it
takes about 10 barrels of water to
produce a single barrel of beer. These are
highly lucrative industries, with each
generating about $50 billion a year in
sales. Together, they support about 3.5
million jobs and generate $270 billion in
total economic activity. In sum, all
manufacturing contributes about $1
trillion a year to the U.S. gross domestic
product.
Increasingly, companies are choosing to
become directly involved in community
programs to protect the local water
source. The Hershey Foods Corporation
is working with its local water company
in Pennsylvania to ensure that its water
stays clean. And Coors Brewing Com-
pany in Colorado is working to prevent
pollution of the local aquifer.
"Water is a fundamental input to our
production process. My company
requires high-quality
water to produce a
high-quality product.
We must support
protection of the
community's ground
water supply not only
to protect our employ-
ees, but also to keep
production costs
down," says Jack
Muggins, President and
Chief Executive Officer
of an ethanol and
agricultural feed
producing company in
Pekin, Illinois. This
reliance has not been
lost on the local
1
5
9
12
24
101
1,851
2,072
39,090
62,600
Chamber of Commerce. "We are going
to use the Pekin protected water supply
as a marketing tool for the community to
expand business and attract companies,"
said Charles Renner, the Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director. Indeed,
if the water supply can be protected, the
water supplier can avoid having to
install expensive treatment technology.
The result is a lower water bill for
manufacturers and other customers in
the community, as well as a higher level
of confidence in the local drinking water
supply.
Clean water often plays a role in corpo-
rate marketing campaigns. Several
national companies use powerful images
of water to convey qualities of freshness
and purity. For example, Olympia
Brewing Company in Washington has
adopted the motto "It's the water" as its
marketing slogan. As Samuel Rowse,
President of juice manufacturer Veryfine
Products, noted, "The integrity of a
town's water reflects upon the integrity
of the companies within that town."
Latest Estimate:
Manufacturing companies
use over 13 trillion gallons
of water a year—more
than 9 times the volume
that flows from the
Mississippi River into the
Gulf of Mexico every day.
-------
Environmental Technology:
New Products, New Markets
The future of the environmental tech-
nology industry depends not so much
on using clean water, but on delivering it
as a final product. Water companies
treat water from local water sources, j
such as a river, an aquifer, or reservoir,
and provide a product safe for drinking.
Similarly, sewage plants treat wastewa-
ter from our homes and industries
before releasing it to local rivers and
streams. In 1994, the market for water-
Clean Water
Technology Keeps Our
Communities Healthy
The United States has:
• nearly 58,000 community
water systems providing
drinking water for about 80
million households.
• nearly 16,000 public sewage
treatment plants providing
service for a bout 71 million
households.
Wastewater treatment
technology prevents over 900
million pounds of sewage and
1 billion pounds of toxic chemicals
from entering our waterways
every year.
Drinking water safety
standards and technologies
help prevent over 100,000 cases
of gastrointestinal illness and
reduce lead exposure for over
50 million people.
"As we protect our
environment, we must
invest in the
environmental
technologies of the
future which will
create jobs."
President Clinton
State of the Union Address,
January 1994
related equipment, chemicals, and
services was over $64 billion here in the
United States and over $170 billion
worldwide.
While the U.S. has traditionally repre-
sented the world's strongest environ-
mental market because of higher
standards, other countries are beginning
to invest in environmental infrastructure
and technologies. The international
environmental market, now estimated at
over $400 billion for all media (i.e.,
water, air, and waste), is expected to
double in size by the turn of the century,
and foreign shores represent major
market development opportunities. In
general, water-related investments are
likely to be among the first made. Safe
drinking water and sewage treatment are
essential services that simply do not
exist in some areas.
While improving the environment,
U.S. and global investments in
environmental technologies also create
high-skill, high-wage jobs. Nearly 1.3
million Americans are employed by
more than 50,000 private environmen-
tal technology companies nationwide.
Thousands more work for public
companies, such as sewage treatment
and drinking water plants. In 1995,
the Department of Labor identified
environmental technology as a key
growth sector for the economy,
creating jobs at about twice the rate of
the economy as a whole.
Creating Jobs and a Clean
Environment
Environmental
technology
represents a
majorgrowth
industry for
California's
economy. The
State's
Employment
Development
Department
estimates that
about
200,000
people work in the environmental
technology sector. Revenues from
this industry are expected to reach
$27 billion by 1997, up from
$19 billion in 1992.
-------
Clean Water Ins
Our Three Major Water Laws
Over the years, major legislation has been written, debated, and signed
into law to help protect the quality of America's water resources. The three1
most significant laws are the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act,
and the Ocean Dumping Act. Together, they represent a national clean water
insurance policy. By providing a framework for protection and investment, they
offer the promise of safer, cleaner waters for all of us and for generations to come,
Clean Water Act
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act
is the primary Federal legislation that
protects surface waters, such as lakes,
rivers, and coastal areas. Originally
enacted in 1948, the legislation was
significantly expanded and strengthened
in 1972 in response to growing public
concern for serious and widespread
water pollution problems. This 1972
legislation, which became known as the
Clean Water Act (CWA), provided the
foundation for the dramatic progress in
reducing water pollution over the past
twenty years. Amendments to the 1972
Clean Water Act were made in 1977,
1981, and 1987.
The Clean Water Act focuses on improv-
ing water quality by maintaining and
restoring the physical, chemical, and
biological integrity of the nation's
waters. It provides a comprehensive
framework of standards, technical tools,
and financial assistance to address the
many stressors that can cause pollution
and adversely affect water quality, includ-
ing municipal and industrial wastewater
discharges, polluted runoff from urban
and rural areas, and habitat destruction.
The Clean Water Act requires national
performance standards for major
industries, such as iron and steel
manufacturing and petroleum refining,
that provide a nunitnum level of
pollution control based on the best
technologies available. These national
standards result in the removal of over
one billion pounds of toxic pollution
from our waters every year.
In addition, the Clean Water Act
establishes a framework whereby
States and Tribes survey their waters,
determine appropriate uses, such as
recreation or water supply, and then
set specific water quality criteria for
various pollutants to protect those
uses. These criteria, together with the
national industry standards, are the
basis for permits that limit the
amount of pollution that can be
discharged to a waterbody. Under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimina-
tion System, sewage treatment plants
and industries that discharge waste-
water are required to obtain permits
and to meet the specified limits in
those permits.
The Clean Water Act also provides
Federal funding to help States and
communities meet their clean water
infrastructure needs. Since 1972, over
$66 billion in Federal grants and
loans have been provided, primarily
for building or upgrading sewage
treatment plants. Funding is also
provided to address another major
water quality problem—polluted
runoff from urban and rural areas.
Protecting valuable aquatic habitat,
such as wetlands, is another impor-
tant component of this law. Filling
wetlands with dredged or fill material
can destroy or degrade these impor-
tant aquatic areas and have a pro-
found impact on water quality. To
minimize impacts, the Clean Water
Act establishes a permitting program
to ensure that these types of activities
are conducted in an environmentally
sound manner.
-------
Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed
in 1974 following public concern over
findings of harmful chemicals in
drinking water supplies. The law
established the basic Federal-State
partnership for drinking water used
today. It focuses on ensuring safe water
from public water supplies and on
protecting the nation's aquifers from
contamination.
To ensure the safety of public water
supplies, the law requires EPA to set
safety standards for drinking water.
Standards are now in place for over 80
different contaminants. EPA sets a
maximum level for each contaminant;
however, in cases where it is not
economically or technologically
feasible to make this distinction, EPA
specifies an appropriate treatment
technology instead. Water suppliers
are required to test their drinking
water supplies and maintain records to
ensure quality and safety. Most States
have the responsibility for ensuring
that their public water supplies are in
compliance with the national safety
standards.
Provisions also authorize EPA to
conduct basic research on drinking
water contamination, to provide
technical assistance to States and
municipalities, and to provide grants
to States to help them manage their
drinking water programs.
To protect ground water supplies, the
law provides a framework for manag-
ing underground injection of wastes.
EPA has responsibility for issuing
permits for these operations and
ensuring compliance. As part of that
responsibility, EPA may disallow new
underground injection wells based on
concerns over possible contamination
of a current or potential drinking water
aquifer.
Ocean Dumping Act
Also passed in 1972, the Ocean Dump-
ing Act provides a framework for
managing ocean dumping activities and
for conducting basic oceanic research.
The law bans ocean dumping of radio-
logical, chemical, and biological warfare
agents and high-level radioactive waste.
Amendments in 1988 extended this ban
to sewage sludge, industrial waste, and
medical wastes.
The law provides a mechanism for
meeting U.S. commitments under the
1972 Convention on the Prevention of
Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes
and Other Matters, an international
ocean dumping treaty signed by 80
countries.
It also authorizes
research on the effects
of ocean dumping,
pollution, over-fishing,
and other human-
induced stressors,
including oil spills.
Provisions added in
1992 establish a
national coastal water
quality monitoring
program to evaluate
the health and quality
of ocean waters and
the pollution sources
that affect them.
-------
Joint Ventures:
How EPA Works in Partnership to Improve our
Waters and Protect Public Health
"Waste not, want not," a common American adage, should be
considered as a national motto for managing our nation's water
resources. Indeed, because our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are
so vital to our economy, our health, and our overall quality of life,
they must be treated as a national treasure of the very highest priority.
EPA has a major role in managing this national treasure, acting as the
nation's clean water guardian. But, the job of protecting and improving our
waters cannot be done by just one government agency. Today, EPA is working
hard to build and nurture partnerships with other federal agencies, citizens, industry
and business leaders, and State, local and Tribal governments, all of which have important
contributions to make in keeping our waters safe and clean. By leveraging resources and
targeting actions to those problems in need of attention, EPA and its partners are helping to
make safe, clean water and stronger economies a reality for all of us.
Restoring Valuable Ecosystems
EPA and its partners are involved in clean-up and protection efforts in hundreds of
watersheds throughout the country, but a few areas are getting special attention.
Nationally, these areas represent some of our most important waters—ecologically
and economically.
The
Everglades
One hundred
years ago, this
unique ecosys-
tem of water and
land provided a
home to spectacular
populations of plants
and animals. Visitors
described seeing
literally "clouds" of birds.
Rich wetland areas were
the principal nursery for
the State's robust
commercial and sport
fishing industries. Today, while still a
major tourist attraction, the Everglades
are recognized as being on the verge of
collapse. Ninety percent of the wading
birds are gone, the estuarine fisheries
have declined, and dozens of species are
listed as endangered or threatened.
How did this happen? In the 1940s,
intense flooding in South Florida took
lives and damaged property. A complex
system of public canals, levees, pump-
ing stations and other structures was
built to control the water and make the
land more suitable for farming and
urban development The system
worked—too well. Half of the Ever-
glades' wetlands were drained and
converted to agriculture or urban
developments.
Over time, the impact of these conver-
sions has become obvious, and a-series
of actions has been taken to restore the
natural ecosystem. In 1993, Florida and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began
the task of converting the Kissimmee
River from an "engineered" channel
back into its more natural, riverine form.
In addition, a special federal task force
on South Florida ecosystem restoration
was established to improve coordination
among the Federal, State, and Tribal
interests in the area. A milestone was
reached when the State and the sugar
industry agreed to work together to
reduce phosphorus loadings by 75
percent. This past January, the Clinton
Administration announced a compre-
hensive restoration approach, including
a $1.5 billion federal assistance package,
to speed up the restoration process.
Among other things, the funding is to be
used to acquire, in partnership with
Florida, enough land to make restoration
a reality, including the purchase and
reconversion of over 100,000 acres of
farm lands. The funding is also to be
used to continue work on the
Kissimmee River, to construct wetlands
to serve as natural filters for phosphorus
and other pollutants, and to develop a
multi-species recovery plan. Most
recently, in April 1996, Congress passed
and the President signed into law a new
Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act, otherwise known as the
Farm Bill, which provides up to $300
million for Everglades restoration.
Together, these and other investments
have the potential to make an enormous
difference in the health of this great
ecosystem, and future generations may
very well look back and point to the
1990s as the turning point in Everglades
history. A Save Our Everglades cam-
paign has helped to acquire and protect
over 326,000 acres of land in the area.
Hydrologic improvements have helped
rid the ecosystem of exotic species that
invade and disrupt the area's natural
vegetation and habitat. And, in just the
last three years, phosphorus levels in
water discharged from farm lands north
of the Everglades have been cut by about
30 percent.
But while signs of improvement can be
seen, the ecosystem remains in critical
condition. The road to recovery will
require continued vigilance and commit-
ment to addressing the many stressors
that threaten this fragile ecosystem and
the many species that live there.
-------
The Great Lakes
Considering that about 95 percent of
all fresh water above ground in the U.S.
is in the Great Lakes, it is pretty clear
why water quality there is so important.
Over 23 million people living in the
region depend on these magnificent
lakes to provide their drinking water and
to support other uses. Not surprisingly,
a study by the Health Education Re-
search organization found that over 80
percent of those surveyed wanted to see
more done to protect the Great Lakes
environment.
And more is being done, hi just the past
two years, toxic pollution from a wide
variety of sources, including manufac-
turing and sewage treatment plants, has
been significantly reduced. PCB
emissions have been virtually elimi-
nated and levels of mercury, the pollut-
ant most often found in contaminated
fish, have been cut by over 60 percent.
The eight States which border the Great
Lakes have long recognized the need to
work together on common-sense, cost-
effective solutions to reduce the harmful
effects of toxic pollution. In the late
1980s, the States asked EPA to help
develop a consistent approach for
achieving these reductions. In 1994, a
major milestone was reached. After
working closely with the States, indus-
try, and other interested parties, EPA
issued guidance that goes a long way
toward reducing toxic pollution. Known
as the Great Lakes Water Quality
Initiative, this guidance will help ensure
a consistent level of environmental
protection throughout the region. In
addition to providing a cleaner, healthier
environment, the guidance will also
help to level the economic playing field
among corporate competitors. Compa-
nies in similar industries throughout the
region will be held to the same perfor-
mance standard, eliminating economic
advantages that might occur as a result
of lower standards in some areas.
Other efforts are also underway to help
protect the Great Lakes from toxic
pollution. DDT and other pesticides .
have been banned for use in this
country, and yet they can still pose a
powerful threat if old supplies are
forgotten or disposed of improperly.
Several States in the Region now host
agricultural "clean sweeps" to gather
and arrange proper disposal of these and
other pesticides. EPA has helped States
and counties sponsor these events, and
many individuals have volunteered then-
time to help organize and manage them.
Between 1992 and 1994, community
clean sweep events helped remove
nearly 20,000 pounds of toxic material
from around Lake Superior.
The medical industry is another active
partner, helping to reduce one of region's
most serious toxic problems-—mercury.
The majority of mercury pollution in the
Great Lakes comes from air pollution
generated by coal-burning utilities and
incinerators. However, mercury is also
found in many medical products, and
unless these products are disposed of
properly, the very products designed to
improve public health can cause serious
harm. To reduce this risk, EPA supports
a partnership between regional doctors,
nurses, hospitals, local governments and
the National Wildlife Federation aimed
at educating those working in the
industry about proper disposal and
product alternatives. The goal is to
reduce mercury, and if possible, to
eliminate the use of mercury-containing
products altogether.
"Many hospitals and health care
facilities throughout Michigan are
already taking steps to eliminate as
much of the mercury we use as pos-
sible, hi keeping with our mission of
providing quality health care and
promoting a healthy environment, we're
looking forward to spreading this
information across the Michigan health
care community," said David Seaman,
Executive Vice-President of the State
Health and Hospital Association.
While the amount of toxic pollution
being released into the Great Lakes is
being reduced, the problem is not
completely solved. Toxic chemicals
from the air, from contaminated
bottom sediments, from agricultural
and urban runoff and from Superfund
sites still pose a threat to the environ-
ment and the people who live there.
These sources present a management
challenge, and they call for a continued
strong emphasis on pollution preven-
tion and toxics control throughout the
region.
Action by the Auto Industry
The American Automobile Manufac-
turers Association, on behalf of
Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor
Company and General Motors
Corporation, worked with the
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources to establish an automo-
bile pollution prevention project.
Launched in 1991, the manufactur-
ers agreed to voluntary actions to
help reduce emissions of over 65
toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes
area. Since that time, toxic emissions
have been cut by 75 percent. If zinc
emissions from two plants are
excluded, the rate of total toxic
reduction is over 50 percent.
Because of its success, the program
is now being expanded to automo-
bile manufacturers in other parts of
the country.
Son Francisco Bay-Delta
The San Francisco Bay-Delta is another area getting
special attention. Comprising more than 1,650
square miles—an area about the size of Rhode
Island—the estuary is a source of drinking
water for 20 million people, provides
irrigation for over 4.5 million acres of
farmland, supports more than 120
species of fish, and is an internationally
important waterfowl migration area.
It also drains nearly 40 percent of
California's land area. Over the years,
water diversion, loss of wetlands, and
polluted runoff from urban and rural
areas have seriously impacted the health
of the ecosystem.
Today, multiple government agencies,
groups, and individuals are working to
stop the pollution and repair the
damage. One of the most important
efforts to date occurred in 1994. The
Clinton Administration worked with
-------
i]
Volunteers Make a Difference
Increasingly, private citizens are
turning their concern for their local
environment into action by volunteer-
ing to monitor water quality in lakes,
rivers, or coastal areas. In the Bay-
Delta area, hundreds of people,
young and old, have received training
and begun to collect and report
important water quality information.
Mike Rigney, who works at the
Coyote Creek Riparian Station, has
trained nearly 200 people in the last
few years. When asked whether
these volunteers really provide
reliable data, Mike was quick to
answer "yes!" Indeed, these
individuals are making a valiant and
valuable contribution, doing what
they can to help improve conditions
in their community.
industry, farmers, environmentalists,
slate officials, and others to craft a
historic consensus-based agreement on
actions to improve the Bay-Delta
environment while providing more
certainty in water supplies for the State's
future. The common-sense strategy
allocates water use among the estuary,
farmers, and urban users, breaking
gridlock on a decade-long water war in
the region.
The North Bay Initiative is another
important component in the ecosystem's
restoration. The North Bay is known for
vast ranch lands, rich aquatic habitats,
and some of the most productive
vineyards in the world. EPA and other
Federal, State, and local governments are
working together and with landowners
in the area to promote common-sense
land use management.
The San Francisco Bay National Estuary
Program has provided a major platform
for planning, coordinating, and manag-
ing many restoration activities. The
National Estuary Program, which
includes 27 other high-priority estuaries
in addition to the Bay-Delta, brings
together multiple stakeholders, includ-
ing government, business interests, and
private citizens to set priorities and find
practical solutions for the problems
threatening their estuary. Mapping the
distribution of native fish species and
streamside forests, preserving wetlands,
and monitoring water quality are just a
few of the activities that have been
conducted since the San Francisco Bay-
Delta program was established in 1987.
Work to restore the Bay-Delta is also
being done by the academic community.
For example, Professor Robert Twiss of
the University of California at Berkeley's
Center for Environmental Design and
Research is building an extensive geo-
graphic information system (GIS), an
electronic tool that can map and compare
different environmental and land use
factors. With more than 50 data sources,
the GIS will be able to show everything
from streams and wetlands to urban
growth scenarios. To Twiss, GIS and
advanced telecommunications have the
power to ensure wide public access to
information. Rather than having one
centralized government repository, Twiss
envisions a large number of information
suppliers (universities, government
agencies, volunteer groups) and users
(libraries, schools, homes, private firms)
connected by a network. "Demystifying
and de-professionalizing this kind of
information is a very important demo-
cratic principle," says Twiss. "It's enor-
mously empowering. It's a way for the
estuary project to connect at the grassroots
level."
These and other efforts are helping to
improve conditions in one of the
country's most productive areas. In
particular, the Bay-Delta accord address-
ing water allocation shows that progress
can be made on even the most complex
and contentious issues. Remaining
challenges, as well as emerging ones, such
as the rapid introduction and growth of
exotic species, will require a similar level
of resolve and commitment to finding
workable, common-sense solutions.
The Columbia River
As the second largest river in the U.S.,
the Columbia River is a resource of
national and regional significance. This
mighty river drams seven states before
emptying into the Pacific Ocean, where
the mixing of fresh water with salt water
provides important estuaruie habitat for
fish, other aquatic species and wildlife.
The river also helps to support agricul-
ture, forestry, commercial and sport
fisheries, hydropower generation, and
recreation and tourism industries.
Despite its many uses and benefits for
the region, evidence continues to show
that this great river is at risk. High
concentrations of PCBs, dioxin and
other toxic pollutants have been found
in sediment and fish tissue in the lower
river. Reproductive success for salmon
and other species is being affected, and
fish consumption advisories are now in
place throughout the region. Dam
operations, along with habitat loss and
pollution, have hurt fisheries. Some
salmon species are threatened, endan-
gered, or already extinct. These impacts
represent quite a loss in a river that was
once a passageway for over 15 million
salmon a year.
Recognizing the significance of the
resource and the need to ensure its
protection and restoration, the Lower
Columbia River was selected as a site for
inclusion in the National Estuary
Program in 1995. A team of concerned
citizens along with representatives from
Federal, State, and local government
agencies, environmental groups, and
industry is being established to plan and
guide priority actions. In addition, in
1994, President Clinton announced a
Pacific Northwest Forest Plan to improve
management of over 25 million acres of
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federally owned forests in the region.
Improving forest management will
involve protecting streamside areas and
reducing polluted runoff from harvest
areas, both of which should help to
improve water quality and habitat for
salmon and other fisheries. One of the
largest-scale ecosystem management
efforts ever undertaken, the plan will
maintain and restore old growth forests,
water quality, fish and wildlife habitat,
and allow sustainable timber harvests of
over 1 billion board feet per year. It calls
for over 2.6 million acres to be set aside
along streams and wetlands to provide
clean water and habitat for fish and
wildlife. It provides a stronger scientific
basis for managing the area's resources
by increasing monitoring and data
analyses, and provides funding for
education and training to help counter
any potential job losses related to timber
harvesting restrictions. To date, more
than 500 watershed restoration projects
have been initiated or completed to
improve ecological conditions.
The comprehensive management plan
being developed through the National
Estuary Program and the Forest Plan
provide a strong basis for addressing
some of the highest priority problems
facing the region. But, they represent only
a beginning. Remaining challenges, such
as how to best reduce toxic pollution, call
for continued action and attention.
Targeting High-Priority Problems
As a result of public and private sector investments in
infrastructure and technologies and a commitment to
preventing pollution and improving overall environmental
performance, our waters are much cleaner today compared
to twenty-five years ago. But, we still have areas where the
water is too polluted to safely swim or eat the fish. And
Americans are increasingly worried about the safety of their
drinking water. The problems that still plague our waters do
not have fast and easy fixes. To a great extent, our ability to
find and apply workable solutions will depend on strong,
highly committed partnerships involving individuals as well as
the public and private sectors.
Drinking Water
Contamination
In 1993, a drinking water crisis in
Milwaukee sounded a national alarm on
drinking water safety. The contaminant
Cryptosporidium shut down the city's
water supply, costing businesses and
commercial establishments over $50
million in lost economic activity. Even
more importantly, it left over 400,000
people sick, and was attributed as the
cause of over 100 deaths.
Unlike many microorganisms,
Cryptosporidium cannot be eliminated
with normal disinfection processes, but
contamination can be reduced through
careful filtration. Recognizing the need
to protect people from this and other
microbial contaminants, public water
suppliers and EPA developed the
"Partnership for Safe Water." Under this
voluntary program, suppliers that use
surface waters carefully survey their
filtration systems, operating and mainte-
nance procedures, and other manage-
ment activities to determine whether
action is needed to reduce the risk of
contamination occurring. To date, 140 .
water companies serving more than 74
million Americans have joined up and
committed to take action, if needed.
The Groundwater Guardian Program is
another voluntary way to improve
drinking water safety. Established and
managed by a nonprofit organization in
the Midwest, and strongly promoted by
EPA, this program focuses on communi-
ties that rely on ground water for their
drinking water. It provides special
recognition and technical assistance to
help communities protect their ground
water from contamination. Since
beginning in 1994, Groundwater
Guardian programs have been established
in nearly 100 communities in 31 States.
These voluntary efforts represent
practical approaches to help ensure safe
drinking water. But for some risks,
stronger safeguards are needed. For
example, to better protect the public
against Cryptosporidium, EPA recently
began requiring the nation's largest
Guarding Ground Water in Oklahoma
Ada, Oklahoma, is a small town of
15,000 people which relies on a
single aquifer for its drinking water.
Eight people there have formed a
Groundwater Guardian team and are
now volunteering their time and
energy to keep their ground water
dean. To accomplish this goal, the
team focuses on education. In the
past year, they have developed and
widely distributed an information
brochure to the local citizens. They
have also made numerous presenta-
tions to local service dubs and held
public meetings to inform local
residents about drinking water issues.
water suppliers to monitor for signs of
contamination. The data will be used to
clarify current scientific uncertainties
and allow EPA to move forward on
setting an appropriate safety standard for
all systems in the future.
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Rochester Takes Action
Rochester, New York, is one city that
has already acted to address its
combined sewer overflow problems.
Using an approach similar to the
national combined sewer overflow
policy, Rochester's sewer system now
captures and treats more than
3 billion gallons of combined sewage
annually. Automated rainfall
monitoring and computerized
"smart" controls help the system
optimize its response to a variety of
rainfall and flow conditions. Asa
result, combined sewer overflows
discharge to the Genesee River only
about twice a year, and they have
been virtually eliminated as a cause of
beach closures on Lake Ontario. An
increase in real estate values along
Irondequoit Bay has been directly
linked to the recent water quality
improvements.
Raw Sewage Spills
For the most part, raw sewage is no
longer routinely dumped into our
nation's waters. Sewage treatment plants
are very effective at treating wastewater
so that it can be safely discharged to
local waterbodies. In fact, the amount of
pollution being discharged from these
plants has been cut by over one-third
during the past twenty years, even as the
number of people being served has
doubled.
Yet, in some communities, raw sewage
spills still occur. Sometimes spills occur
because a sewer line is blocked, broken
or too small. Spills can also occur
during periods of heavy rainfall when
the capacity of the sewer line or sewage
treatment plant becomes overloaded and
sewer lines overflow into city streets or
streams. In many older cities, sewers
were designed to carry stormwater
runoff along with sewage, and to
overflow if a heavy rain exceeded the
capacity of the system. These combined
sewer overflows, or "CSOs" as they are
often called, occur in about 1,000 cities
around the country.
In addition to spilling raw sewage, CSOs
can also release untreated industrial
wastewater and street debris. The result
can be a real menace to public health,
recreational uses, and commercial
fishing. In fact, CSOs are a leading
cause of beach closures and shellfishing
restrictions around the country.
While the local impacts of CSOs can be
significant, so is the cost of fixing them.
For years, many cities were too daunted
by the financial considerations to take
action. But in 1994, a breakthrough
occurred. Working closely with, the
States, affected cities, and environmen-
tal groups, EPA helped develop a
consensus policy to guide action on
CSOs. It encourages cities to pursue
certain minimum, low-cost controls and
to develop a full understanding of local
CSO occurrences and impacts before
making longer-term investments in
additional wastewater treatment,
temporary storage capacity, and sewer
rehabilitation. The policy balances the
need to protect the environment and the
public with the need for reasonable,
cost-effective controls tailored to local
environmental and financial conditions.
This departure from a one-size-fits-all
regulatory approach is expected to
provide sound environmental protection
at one-fourth the cost of previous
proposals.
:§]
Golf Goes Green
For years, the golf industry and the
environmental community have been
at odds over environmental benefits
of golf courses. Golf course
architects, superintendents, and
owners have always considered
themselves stewards of the land. In
contrast, the environmental commu-
nity viewed the use of pesticides and other golf course management practices as
damaging to habitat and water quality. With little actual contact, neither constituency
had a clear grasp of the other's ideas and the distance between the two camps
continued to grow.
In January 7995, however, a new relationship was established. At that time, EPA
helped convene the first ever national meeting between the golf industry and the
environmental community. A diverse group of 75 participants met to consider, "Is golf
as environmentally safe and sensitive as it can be?" and "How can we make it more
so?" The conference opened a long-overdue dialogue that has led to an agreed-upon
set of principles for managing golf courses in an environmentally sound manner. They
are not rules, but rather a set of voluntary guidelines for golf course developers,
architects, superintendents, owners, and individual golfers. The principles have been
very well received, earning endorsements from the American Society of Golf Course
Architects, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Southern Environmental Law
Center, and the National Wildlife Federation.
Polluted Runoff
Rain, sleet, and snowmelt wash off the
land into streams, lakes, and bays or
seep into ground water. Moving across
farm fields, city streets, or suburban
backyards, this runoff picks up soil
particles, pesticides, fertilizers, animal
wastes and other pollutants. Because it
comes from so many areas and sources,
polluted runoff is much more difficult to
quantify and to control than pollution
from industry and municipal wastewater
outfalls. Yet, State and Tribal water
quality agencies now estimate that it is
the leading cause of water pollution.
To deal with the problem, EPA is
emphasizing voluntary, cooperative
management approaches designed to
create greater awareness about how our
waters can become polluted from
everyday activities or lifestyle choices.
Many businesses now understand how
their operations can affect water quality,
and they are willing to work with EPA to
find common-sense, practical solutions.
EPAs Partners in Prevention program
has helped bring many of these partners
-------
to the table. Through this program, EPA
is working with national associations to
accelerate voluntary adoption by their
members of modern, economical
management practices that reduce
polluted runoff while maintaining or
even enhancing production.
One partner that is very active and
providing leadership for the entire
livestock industry is the National Pork
Producers Council (Pork Council), an
organization that represents over 90,000
pork producers in all 50 States. If not
managed properly, waste from hog farms
can have a devastating impact on water
quality. To improve overall environmen-
tal performance, the Pork Council
produced and distributed to its members
the Guide to Environmental Quality in
Pork Production, a "plain-English"
handbook describing sound management
practices that should be followed. Since
publication in 1993, the Pork Council has
been working in partnership with EPA,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and
State water quality agencies to hold
workshops designed to deliver hands-on,
practical advice for putting these prac-
tices into place. Over 65 workshops have
been conducted in 14 States. The next
step is an Environmental Assurance
Program which will promote onTthe-farm
self-assessments to identify potentially
needed environmental improvements.
Most recently, the Pork Council held a
national summit on enwoTiHnem-al issues
to continue to improve the industry's
commitment and response to ongoing
concerns, including proper management
and design of hog waste lagoons.
In the summer of 1995, a hog waste spill
along the New River in North Carolina
killed thousands offish and resulted in a
health warning to protect public health.
This incident, which serves as an example
of why environmental performance
standards are needed, was followed by
national guidance from EPA in 1996
which clarifies how large livestock
operations should be managed to ensure
compliance with national water pollution
control requirements.
Investing in Technology and Infrastructure
Since 1972, the Federal government has
invested over $66 billion in municipal
wastewater treatment. Millions more
have been invested by State and local
governments to help meet the service
needs of a constantly growing popula-
tion. And these investments have paid off.
Sewage Solutions in Indiana
Two small towns in Indiana, Wanatah
and Lake of the Woods, received loans
from the State Revolving Fund to help
replace septic tanks and construct
badly needed sewage collection and
treatment systems. In both cases, the
septic tanks were not functioning
properly because of inadequate lot
sizes and unsuitable soils. The result
was sewage contamination in local
streams and lakes. The centralized
treatment systems allowed each town
to eliminate a major source of water
pollution, restoring recreational
opportunities for local citizens.
The new sewage systems also helped
restore economic opportunity. "In
Wanatah, growth was at a standstill
due to the septic tank moratorium"
said Chuck Mack, the town utility
supervisor. The SRF loan allowed the
community to lift the moratorium and
begin providing service to commercial
and private residents. Because of the
loan's lower interest rates, these
services are provided at a lower
monthly cost. According to Mr. Mack,
"We see the loan as a real benefit to
our community."
The fact that so many of our
nation's waters are riow
cleaner compared to 25
years ago is in large part
due to better sewage
treatment. Today, the
U.S. enjoys what is
probably the most
advanced network of
sewage treatment plants in
the world.
For years, Federal dollars were given to
communities to help meet their sewage
treatment needs through the Clean
Water Act Construction Grants Program.
However, in 1987, Congress replaced the
grants program with a revolving loan
program, known as the State Revolving
Fund. Under this program, EPA pro-
vides grants to the States, and the States
then make loans to communities. As the
money is paid back, new loans are given
to other communities also needing help.
This program represents a powerful
financial partnership between EPA and
the States, allowing the States to fund
their highest priority needs. While
traditionally used to build or improve
wastewater plants, the State Revolving
Fund is also being used to address other
water quality problems, such as polluted
runoff and sewer overflows.
The program is also a model of effi-
ciency, allowing Federal, State, and local
government agencies to leverage limited
dollars. Because of the revolving nature,
over a twenty-year period, an initial fed-
eral investment can result in the con-
struction of up to 4 times as many
projects compared to a one-time federal
grant. And because of new streamlined
requirements, State Revolving Fund
projects are completed about 30 percent
faster than those funded with grants. Lo-
cal governments can benefit by saving a
great deal of money. The typical cost of a
project funded with a State Revolving
Fund loan is about 30 percent to 50 per-
cent less than the cost of a project funded
through the commercial.bond market.
Because of the program's efficiency and
importance in helping communities meet
their clean water goals, in 1994, the
Clinton Administration recommended a
similar program to help communities
provide an equally important service—
safe drinking water. A total of $1.8 bil-
lion has been proposed since then, mark-
ing the first time ever that funds to en-
sure safe drinking water have been made
a federal investment priority.
-------
Conclusion
Clean water has irreplaceable value and enormous potential for affecting many
sectors of the economy. A full spectrum of industries and commercial busi-
nesses are at stake as well as the livelihoods of real people. Real estate agents
in the Northeast, commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, charterboat
captains in the Great Lakes, and hotel owners along Southern California
beaches are just a few of the people that depend on clean water to deliver their
products and services.
Investing hi clean water is a common-sense way to protect these businesses
and ensure healthy, thriving communities. And many people and organiza-
tions are making that investment by joining hi partnership with EPA, States,
Tribes, and others to help clean up and protect our waters. These partnerships
are encouraging as they demonstrate a willingness to invest both time and
resources in order to receive the most important of all dividends—the assur-
ance of safe, clean water for use today and tomorrow. In the short term and
long term, for communities and for the nation, it is hard to imagine a sounder
investment opportunity.
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How You Can Help Keep Our Waters Clean
If you would like to find out more about water issues, contact EPA at the following
address.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water Communications Staff
Mail Code 4102
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 260-3881
Information is also available on the Internet. Visit EPAs World Wide Web site at
"http://www.epa.gov/OW" or send an electronic message to
"OW-GENERAL@epamail.epa.gov".
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Clean Water: A National
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Photographic Acknowledgments
EPA would like to recognize and thank
the following sources for contributing
photographs to this report.
Audubon Institute
New Orleans, Louisiana
Jim West
Detroit, Michigan
Chattanooga Area Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Portland, Oregon, Visitors Association
Portland, Oregon
Steve Delaney, EPA Photographer
Washington, DC.
. Gerald Almy, Interstate Commission on
the Potomac River Basin
Washington, DC.
A.A. Bodine, Interstate Commission on
the Potomac River Basin
Washington, DC.
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