Journal Executive Summary - Vol.
Utilities can no longer assume the water they treat is high-quality.
In fact, they should investigate the condition of their source water and act to improve it if possible. These programs are aimed at agricultural land and address threats to soil, wildlife, and water quality. They also support the restoration of wetlands, which filter sediments and pollution and recharge groundwater. In addition, they pay for the planting of buffer zones at reservoir edges and near other water supplies. Among USDA programs that can improve source water quality are the Conservation Reserve Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, and the National Conservation Buffer Initiative.