EPA at 50: Helping address emerging water challenges

The following is a press release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on its 50th anniversary and progress in protecting America’s waters.

In celebration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 50th anniversary, the agency is highlighting progress in protecting America’s waters. Last month featured EPA actions to meet emerging water challenges, including supporting innovative solutions like water reuse, recruiting the next generation of the water sector workforce, and helping states and local communities address PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances).

“While acknowledging significant accomplishments the agency and its partners have made in providing Americans with access to safe water, we also see emerging challenges that require collaborative and creative solutions,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Dave Ross. “Together, we are leading efforts to address these challenges to protect public health and the environment while supporting the economy — today and for future generations.”

EPA is helping address a number of emerging challenges, including bolstering safe and reliable water supplies for human consumption, agriculture, business, industry, recreation and healthy ecosystems. While the U.S. uses less freshwater today than 25 years ago—even as population and productivity grow—40 states anticipate some freshwater shortages within their borders over the next decade. Diversifying the nation’s water portfolio is a priority for the Trump Administration and EPA is answering that challenge by advancing water reuse technology, which has the potential to ensure the viability of our water economy for generations to come. This week EPA will unveil the next step under the National Water Reuse Action Plan, a collaborative effort that represents the first initiative of its magnitude to be coordinated across the water sector. Actions taken under this plan will bolster the sustainability, security and resilience of the nation’s water resources. For more on water reuse, visit: https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse.

For more on EPA’s 50th Anniversary and how the agency is protecting America’s waters, visit: https://www.epa.gov/50.