Jack Reed: “we often don't think about how important water is to our everyday lives, for our health and for our economy. As…”

“we often don't think about how important water is to our everyday lives, for our health and for our economy. As Americans, we take for granted that when we turn on the tap that clean and safe water will flow from the faucet. Over the last three decades, the United States has made substantial progress in reducing the pollution flowing into our waters and safeguarding drinking water supplies for our communities. Despite our progress, we still face many challenges. Population growth is increasing demand for water, and pollution from point and nonpoint sources threaten the quality and quantity of water available to us. According to EPA, the overwhelming majority of the population of the United States--218 million people--live within 10 miles of a polluted river, lake, or coastal water. Nearly 40 percent of these waters are not safe for fishing, swimming, boating, drinking water, or other needs. And while overall water pollution levels decreased dramatically over the last 30 years, recent data may be revealing a disturbing trend. Indeed, EPA's most recent National Water Quality Inventory found that the number of polluted rivers and estuaries increased between 1998 and 2000. Water pollution represents a real and daily threat to public health and to the wildlife that depend on clean water. This year, we are celebrating the Year of Clean Water.”