The Strategy for Cleaning up Our Waters

Abstract

The United States is embarked on a national program to clean up its waters and eliminate pollutant discharge from all man-made sources. The purpose of this program is to protect not only human health and welfare from the direct impact of polluted water but also to protect the delicate web of life on which man’s survival depends. The strategy for accomplishing this purpose is based on an attempt to blend a number of complex components including technological capability, economics, scientific measurement, and judgments about safety; all brought together by the political decision process. The strategy is being implemented through numerous daily decisions of government officials who are under pressure from industry, the general public, and special interest groups.

The program is working — our waters are getting cleaner. However, as we put more effort into the program some of its weaknesses and oversights are becoming apparent. As we accomplish the easier goals potential road blocks to continued success will begin to appear.