Water
The nation's water resources have immeasurable value. These resources encompass lakes, streams, ground water, coastal waters, wetlands, and other waters; their associated ecosystems; and the human uses they support (e.g., drinking water, recreation, and fish consumption). The extent of water resources (their amount and distribution) and their condition (physical, chemical, and biological attributes) are critical to ecosystems, human uses, and the overall function and sustainability of the hydrologic cycle.
Because the extent and condition of water can affect human health, ecosystems, and critical environmental processes, protecting water resources is integral to EPA's mission. EPA works in partnership with other government agencies that are also interested in the extent and condition of water resources, both at the federal level and at the state, local, or tribal level.
The ROE indicators address seven fundamental questions about the state of the nation's waters:
- What are the trends in the extent and condition of fresh surface waters and their effects on human health and the environment? This question focuses on the nation's rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
- What are the trends in the extent and condition of ground water and their effects on human health and the environment? This question addresses subsurface water that occurs in saturated soils and geological formations.
- What are the trends in the extent and condition of wetlands and their effects on human health and the environment? Wetlands—including swamps, bogs, marshes, and similar areas—are areas inundated or saturated by surface or ground water often and long enough to support vegetation that is adapted for life in saturated soil.
- What are the trends in the extent and condition of coastal waters and their effects on human health and the environment? Indicators in this report present data for waters that are generally within 3 miles of the coastline (except the Hypoxia in Gulf of Mexico and Long Island Sound indicator).
- What are the trends in the quality of drinking water and their effects on human health? People drink tap water, which comes from both public and private sources. Sources of drinking water can include both surface water (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) and ground water.
- What are the trends in the condition of recreational waters and their effects on human health and the environment? This question addresses water used for a wide variety of purposes, such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
Recreational Waters: No ROE indicators currently exist for this question.
- What are the trends in the condition of consumable fish and shellfish and their effects on human health? This question focuses on the suitability of fish and shellfish for human consumption.