A Strategy for Federal Science and Technology to Support Water Availability and Quality in the United States
Abstract
Water is essential to maintain human health, agriculture, industry, ecosystem integrity, and the economic vitality of communities and the Nation. Throughout history, a key measure of a civilization's success has been the degree to which human ingenuity has harnessed fresh water resources for the public good. Indeed, civilizations have failed because of their inability to provide a safe and reliable water supply in the face of changing water resources and needs. In its early history, U.S. water management focused largely on alleviating or controlling the impacts of floods and droughts. Investments in dams, water infrastructure, navigation infrastructure, canals, and water treatment plants provided safe, abundant, and inexpensive sources of water, aided flood management, and dramatically improved hygiene, health, and economic prosperity. The U.S. water resources, infrastructure, and technologies became the envy of the world. Water-related science and technology have served our Nation well. The Nation has built infrastructure that provides safe drinking water, agricultural irrigation, hydropower, flood control, and navigable waterways. Through improved waste treatment technology, great strides have been made in improving water quality, and in protecting and enhancing habitat for aquatic organisms and recreational opportunities for the public.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472149
Entities
Organizations
- Executive Office of the President of the United States