EPA Develops New Planning Approach to Improve Water Quality in U.S. Cities

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/68C9214FF1E0C157852579370055D62A

Picture: This is a picture of an old rusty sewage system underneath the city of Milwaukee. Sewage systems in many cities are beginning to age and rust.

Summary: The EPA has decided to help many cities from across the U.S. achieve clean water by managing city wastewater and stormwater runoff. They will begin to help municipalities across the country by supporting them financially. To better protect water quality, the EPA has begun to review the Clean Water Act requirements with each municipality. The EPA will begin to use innovative, cost effective storm and wastewater management solutions, like green infrastructure. Also, old and aging sewer systems will begin to overflow with raw sewage into city waterways if they are not treated. The EPA has took on a new approach to tackling the water quality issue in U.S. cities.

Opinion: I think that the EPA is doing a very good job in protecting our water quality. To learn that they are doing all these things to protect our water is assuring. We don't have to worry as much when we use our water, knowing that it will be safe. The water quality problem is certainly an issue because there is very little drinkable water on this earth. We must better protect our waters from contamination, because water is so important to our everyday lives.

Questions:

1. What are some other ways the EPA can use to better protect our water quality?

2. How do you think the EPA can spread awareness to the public about this issue?

3. What do you think you can do at home to conserve and protect our water?