Why Is it Important to Keep Our Water Resources Clean?

Water resources have great economic value.

Oceans and water resources cover more than 70 percent of the planet, providing habitat for almost 50 percent of the Earth's plant and animal species, according the National Ocean Service. The importance of water resources cannot be overestimated. Water resources include any surface water such as lakes or streams as well as wetlands. Protecting these resources not only protects the water, but also the plants and animals that live in or use these areas.

Drinking Water

Some areas depend upon surface water for drinking water. For example, more than 50 percent of the population of New York relies on clean water resources for drinking water. Areas served by other sources need pollution-free surface waters to prevent contamination of groundwater. Filtration and environmental cleanup are expensive. A 2005 study published by Iowa State University found that improving the water quality of the Missouri and Upper Mississippi River watersheds would cost more than $300 million annually.

Impacts

Water resources suffer through direct contamination with the introduction of pollutants, but they may also be affected from other areas far away. Nonpoint source pollution enters the environment through runoff. The Environmental Protection Agency identified agricultural runoff including pesticides and fertilizers as the primary source of water pollution. Urban runoff from roads and other impervious or non-porous surfaces also contributes to the toxins in groundwater and surface water resources.

Other Values

Keeping water resources clean makes good economic sense. The state of Florida alone generates more than $10 billion annually from outdoor recreation, including fishing. Clean water resources contribute to the state's economy, with fishing contributing more than $6 billion each year and creating more than 50,000 jobs. A 2006 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that overall, Americans spent more than $120 billion for wildlife watching activities. Clean water resources contribute to the gain of more than 1 million jobs by providing the places and habitats in which people can view wildlife.

Species Protection

Water resources provide nesting habitat and food resources for almost 50 percent of North American birds. They are critical for more than 30 percent of the nation's threatened and endangered species, according to the EPA. Keeping water resources cleans helps ensure the survival of these and other wetland-dependent organisms.

Prevention/Solution

The Clean Water Act of 1972 laid the foundation for maintaining water resources in the U.S. The provisions of the act prohibit direct introduction of pollutants into aquatic resources. However, the act does not address other issues critical to clean water such as groundwater and water quality. To ensure clean water resources for future generations, regulations are needed to cover these vital areas.

References

• National Ocean Service: Ocean Facts
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Functions and Values of Wetlands
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fish and Wildlife Habitat
• New York Department of Health: Drinking Water Program: Facts and Figures
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Wildlife Watching in the U.S.

Resources

• Iowa State University: The Cost of Clean Water
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Introduction to the Clean Water Act
• University of Michigan: Water Pollution and Society
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Nonpoint Source Pollution