In evaluating the health of American waters, the federal Environmental Protection Agency found that only three of the 14 identified watersheds in the state have good water quality and they are located in less settled western regions. Seven watersheds were classified as having serious water quality problems.
Watersheds are the topographic bowls into which streams and rivers drain.
The assessments were done as part of efforts by state and federal environmental agencies to clean up waterways and protect them from pollution. The reports were released to help energize the public to work for changes that would reduce pollution. Nationwide, approximately 21 percent of the watersheds were identified as having serious water quality problems, with just 16 percent having good water quality. Some watersheds suffer more from agricultural pollutants and others from urban sources. Officials stressed that treatment systems remove any pollution from drinking water.