Learn the Issues

Indicators: Human Disturbance

Human disturbance is a measure of the vulnerability of aquatic resources to a variety of harmful human activities such as tree removal, road building, construction near shorelines/streambanks, and artificial hardening of lakeshores with retaining walls.

Climate Adaptation and Source Water Impacts

EPA works with state tribal and local governments to provide clean and safe drinking water, even as the climate changes.

Indicators: Lakeshore Habitat/Riparian Vegetative Cover

Riparian and lakeshore vegetative cover consist of the vegetation corridor alongside streams, rivers, and lakes. Vegetative cover refers to overhanging or submerged tree limbs, shrubs, and other plants growing along the shore of the waterbody.

Indicators: Sediment Toxicity

Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for all life. Phosphate (PO4), which plays major roles in the formation of DNA, cellular energy, and cell membranes (and plant cell walls). Too much phosphorus can create water quality problems.

Indicators: Sediment Mercury

Sediment mercury is mercury that has become embedded into the bottom substrates of aquatic ecosystems. Mercury is a common pollutant of aquatic ecosystems and it can have a substantial impact on both human and wildlife health.

Indicators: Phosphorus

Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for all life. Phosphate (PO4), which plays major roles in the formation of DNA, cellular energy, and cell membranes (and plant cell walls). Too much phosphorus can create water quality problems.

Indicators: Nitrogen

Nitrogen, like phosphorus, is a critical nutrient required for all life. Nitrogen can occur in rivers and streams, lakes, and coastal waters in several forms including ammonia (NH3), nitrates (NO3), and nitrites (NO2).

Actions for Cleaner Water

EPA's activities in the San Joaquin Valley regarding safer drinking water and San Joaquin river water quality

Risk Evaluation for Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP)

EPA designated tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.

Risk Evaluation for Formaldehyde

EPA designated formaldehyde as a high priority chemical in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.

Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB) Meeting Materials - October 24-25, 2023

Materials for EFAB meeting.

EFAB Member Pre-Meeting Comments on the Stormwater Infrastructure Funding Report

EFAB member pre-meeting comments on the Stormwater Infrastructure Funding Task Force report, developed in preparation for the February 11-12, 2020 meeting of EFAB.

EFAB Backhaul Alaska Consultation Plan

Evaluating Stormwater Infrastructure Funding and Financing Task Force

Task Force report for EFAB review.

National Ground Water Association Comments to EFAB Stormwater Financing Task Force

National Ground Water Association (NGWA) comments to EFAB regarding Stormwater Infrastructure Funding Task Force Recommendations to improve the availability of public and private sources of funding for stormwater infrastructure.

Illustrative Private Equity Capital Models for Chesapeake Bay TMDL Project Response Letter

EPA response to EFAB report presenting an equity investor's perspective around financial outcomes, risk, and investment structure.

Illustrative Private Equity Capital Models for Chesapeake Bay TMDL Project Report

EFAB report to EPA presenting an equity investor's perspective around financial outcomes, risk, and investment structure.

Evaluating Stormwater Infrastructure Funding and Financing Task Force - Draft Transmittal Letter

Transmittal letter for Task Force report for EFAB review.

Draft Proposed Charges for EFAB Discussion

U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program - Public Environmental Documents

Environmental review documents associated with Mexico Border water infrastructure grant projects.