America's Water Resources at a Turning Point . The report provides a snapshot of the economic value of clean water, the problems we face in the new millennium, and the actions we can take to protect and restore the nation's water resources. Following are a few of the main points from the report. Clean Water and the Economy Clean water is important to our economy and contributes greatly to many segments. Every year, the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico and coastal areas produce more than 10 billion pounds of fish and shellfish.
Manufacturers use about nine trillion gallons of fresh water every year.
Our economy depends on clean water, and we all pay in some way when it is polluted. In 1998, about one-third of the 1,062 beaches reporting to the EPA had at least one health advisory or closing. EPA estimates that at least a half-million cases of illness annually can be attributed to microbial contamination in drinking water. Achieving Cleaner Water Over the next decade, we must continue efforts to reduce pollution from industry, sewage treatment plants, and polluted runoff. Article prepared by Kim Henken, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues.