INTRODUCTION
Today we face challenges concerning water resources, both in our own communities and nationwide.
Proponents of economic development and
... [Show More] supporters
of environmental conservation debate the use of water.
As the turn of the century approached, there was no
debate over water as a renewable and limited resource; rather, its availability was generally assumed to
be unlimited. Rivers and streams were viewed as
cheap, dependable sources of water in support of the
national surge in manufacturing, construction, and
employment; and they often served as prime avenues
for the disposal of waste materials.
By the turn of the century, the oppression of surface
water was evident; and the dumping of sewage effluent
and by-products of manufacturing and agriculture had
become associated with the terms contamination and
pollution. Rivers and streams once considered pristine
were tainted from the repeated introduction of waste.
Several contamination incidents received significant
media attention, sparking public concern for water
quality. Some evoked such emotional outrage that
public coalitions demanded legislative attention. The
resulting multitude of new laws—both state and
federal— specified policies and goals for establishing
water quality, placing the responsibility for compliance
squarely on the cities and industries (including agriculture) releasing pollutants into water.
Protecting water quality is a top environmental
priority as we approach the twenty-first century. However, the pendulum of public debate has shifted from
government regulation to one of cooperation among
groups with divergent viewpoints. This shift evolved as
factions began to view a community’s prosperity as a
function of its development of water policies that blend
both economic goals and environmental incentives.
While cooperation is now common, major differences
still exist among public, industrial, regulatory, and
environmental groups. Ideas presented and solutions
offered may differ, but there is universal agreement that
water resources must be pollution-free and abundant if
the nation is to prosper economically.
Pesticides and Water Quality
Using pesticides effectively while maintaining water
quality presents an important challenge. As citizens, we
must recognize the significant role of pesticides in
maintaining a high quality of life. We must acknowledge
that the effective production of food and fiber relies on
pesticides to control weeds, insects, and plant diseases [Show Less]