On much of planet Earth that is human-occupied, clean water can’t be had for love or money. Really.
About a quarter of the men, women, and children in the world have no choice but to drink from and wash in water sources that are contaminated with excrement.
It might surprise you to know that even in America, 2.2 million homes don’t have running water or basic plumbing.
Think of what means: no safe water for cooking, bathing, or hand-washing, no reliable access to a toilet.
If that makes you gag, consider that water quality in America has been systematically protected only in about the last 50 years, with the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972.
Drinking water specifically received some protections when the Safe Drinking Water Act was signed into law in 1974.
Especially in an energy-producing state like Pennsylvania, there has always been tension over water quality.
For a long time, some people believed that extracting oil, gas, and coal was always worth the cost, whatever that was — including damaged air, land, water, and human health.
But when rivers are stained orange by toxic mine drainage and gas extraction becomes a menace to air, soil, and the health of children and their grownups, business as usual just doesn’t cut it.
That’s why today, from the federal government, to the state level, to each county, township or borough, elected officials have legal responsibilities when it comes to protecting water.
In fact, your township or borough is required to have ordinances in place to manage stormwater runoff, reduce flooding, promote green infrastructure and support sustainable development.
This protects our creeks and streams — but keep in mind that no level of government sets safety standards for, or monitors, private wells.
You’re on your own.
Most of us have a lot to be grateful for in our lives — when you count your blessings, don’t forget the pure, abundant water running free in the Brodhead watershed.
The Brodhead Watershed Association protects water quality and quantity and works with municipalities throughout our area to keep creeks and streams pure. Get involved!
Related Article:
-- Brodhead Watershed Association: Protecting Clean Water Together - Become A Master Watershed Steward - By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County [PaEN[]
[Posted: January 2, 2025 PA Environment Digest
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