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What are some of the important public-policy issues relating to water quality?

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What are some of the important public policy issues relating to water quality?

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Asked on October 27, 2015 at 1:50 PM by hoffmanr3

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afayram | In Training Educator

Posted on November 23, 2015 at 9:04 PM

Public-policy related to water quality is an enormously large issue. I assume that you mean water quality with regard to human sustainability and health. However, keep in mind that there are issues related to water quality other than human consumption. There are endangered species, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, recreational and commercial fisheries, etc. that rely on some level of adequate water quality. There is also the issue of water quantity, which is a beast of its own, and is sometimes considered in water quality policy discussions.

Defining water quality for human sustainability and health is always subject to political and economic forces in addition to scientific understanding. For example, there have been many contentious discussions related to "fracking." The production of natural gas and oil through this process produces large amounts of contaminated wastewater. But, this industry directly and indirectly supports many jobs and economies. How much water contamination is a society willing to tolerate to produce jobs and stimulate the economy? The answer is a political and economic one. Scientific studies can determine what level of various contaminants may be "safe" but only society can determine what the acceptable level of risk is.

Naturally occurring water quality issues also occur, among them naturally occurring arsenic concentration and blue-green algae blooms, both of which can be toxic to humans. Although there are scientifically established levels related to arsenic and blue-green algae concentrations, they are often exceeded under natural circumstances and must be monitored and dealt with by water utilities. However, blue-green algae blooms, while naturally occurring, increase their frequency and intensity in the presence of certain land use practices. Thus, the blue-green algae concentrations can be managed both at the water treatment plant and in the landscape in general.

An additional complexity is the issue of water rights, which differ substantially by state in the United States. Some waters are publicly held, while others are privately held. Maintaining water quality in areas where some waters are privately held is difficult and requires both regulation and voluntary compliance of the owners.