They all depend fundamentally on an abundance of water resources. Pollution could create shortages here in our Ozarks where water is now plentiful. Shortages would spur soaring costs of fresh water by the end of this century. To avoid an impending water crisis here in the Ozarks our best defense will be action by enlightened community organizations and government officials, with a focus on solutions at the local level. It is there that problems can be met by creative vision.
Outside agencies can offer only assistance at best.
When we hear of those who still dump garbage down a sinkhole like their parents and grandparents did, we should show them a better way. We cannot be indifferent to incidents such as these, especially in an area as sensitive to contamination as is our karst terrain here in the Ozarks. To comprehend groundwater's vulnerability requires understanding. To protect it requires vision. The challenge presented by this vision will be successfully faced only by a citizenry that assumes an active, not passive, role in protecting their own health, safety, and general welfare.