State of the Waters Report - 2002: Foreword

Our Long-Term Goal: All people in Region 5 will have drinking water that is clean and safe to drink. The rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, and coastal waters in Region 5 will sustain healthy fish, plants, and wildlife, as well as recreational, subsistence, and economic activities. Watersheds and their aquatic ecosystems will be restored and protected to improve human health, enhance water quality, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for wildlife.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone by presenting the first joint State of the Waters report -- a report representing years of progress in improving the Region's water quality. EPA Region 5's Water Division and its partners have made great strides in our efforts to ensure clean and safe water. This report highlights the status of our waters and successes achieved for our shared water goals of healthy biological communities, aquatic habitats, fish populations, swimming waters, and drinking waters.

This report is intended to be the first in a series that, when taken together, will show trends in Region 5's water quality. Some of the data is already complete enough to report on water quality trends. For others, however, data improvements are needed before a baseline can be established. Over time, the report is intended not only to show the status of our waters but also the progress made in improving data.

We hope you find this and future reports useful in tracking the progress we have made to date and recognizing the challenges we face in our continuing commitment to improving water quality.

Thomas V. Skinner
Regional Administrator