2: Protecting America’s Waters

Protect and restore our waters to ensure that drinking water is safe, and that aquatic ecosystems sustain fish, plants and wildlife, and economic, recreational, and subsistence activities.

Other Information:

Despite considerable progress, America’s waters remain imperiled. From nutrient loadings and stormwater runoff to invasive species and drinking-water contaminants, water quality and enforcement programs face complex challenges that demand both traditional and innovative strategies. We will work hand-in-hand with states and tribes to develop nutrient limits and intensify our work to restore and protect the quality of the nation’s streams, rivers, lakes, bays, oceans and aquifers. The EPA also will use its authority to protect and restore threatened natural treasures such as the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico; to address our neglected urban rivers; to ensure safe drinking water; and to reduce pollution from nonpoint and industrial dischargers. We will initiate measures to address post-construction runoff, water-quality impairments from surface mining and drinking-water contamination.

Objective(s):

2.1: Protect Human Health

2.2: Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems

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