Return to Water Management
Introduction
Water is all around us
In order to truly appreciate the value of water, we should revisit a few basic facts. Water covers over 70% of Earth's surface in our oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways. It is a limited resource that cycles through various forms including ice, vapor, and liquid water. The water currently on our planet is stable—never increasing or decreasing in quantity as it cycles through different forms.
In order to truly appreciate the value of water, we should revisit a few basic facts. Water covers over 70% of Earth's surface in our oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways. It is a limited resource that cycles through various forms including ice, vapor, and liquid water. The water currently on our planet is stable—never increasing or decreasing in quantity as it cycles through different forms.
Water cycles through all living creatures—plants, animals, and even you! Plants and animals are comprised of at least 60% water. This process connects each of us to Earth’s water cycle. Some even say this means we are all drinking what was once dinosaur urine! Teachers use this story to get students of all ages interested in learning about the water cycle.
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Surface water & groundwater
Rain and melting snow that accumulate in rivers, lakes and reservoirs is called surface water. Surface water is used for drinking, recreation, irrigation and hydropower. Rain and snow that seep into the soil and gather underground in aquifers is referred to as groundwater, which is accessed through pumps or wells. Both groundwater and surface water are used to satisfy the needs of our thirsty planet.
Rain and melting snow that accumulate in rivers, lakes and reservoirs is called surface water. Surface water is used for drinking, recreation, irrigation and hydropower. Rain and snow that seep into the soil and gather underground in aquifers is referred to as groundwater, which is accessed through pumps or wells. Both groundwater and surface water are used to satisfy the needs of our thirsty planet.
Who’s in charge of our water?
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates our public water systems through a network of state and local agencies. They enforce two broad laws keep our water clean in the United States: the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.
Special note on well water A small percentage of Americans (11%) get their water from privately owned utilities. While privately owned water companies must comply with strict water standards, private water wells are not regulated by the federal government. |
How's my waterway?
The EPA’s Department of Water provides a searchable public database of the nation's waterways with information about the condition of their local waters/watersheds, including:
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Most of us don’t give much thought to the watershed we live in and how our actions affect water quality downstream. We may be surprised about how polluted our local rivers and creeks are. Becoming aware of the beneficial uses and condition of your local waterways is the first step in protecting our local water resources.
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Instructions
Log into How’s My Waterway and check on the condition of your local water bodies.
- Print or download this Data Collection Sheet and follow the instructions to check on the conditions of your local waterways.
- Click this link to access the EPA's online tool: How’s My Waterway?.
- Report back by using the SUBMIT FINDINGS button below.
Evaluate and Report
Please submit your results to help our community plan for the future.