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All Documents in Water

Stormwater Strategies: Community Responses to Runoff Pollution
Report: A report documenting some of the most effective strategies being employed by communities around the country to control urban runoff pollution, which is among the top sources of water contamination today. The collection of 100 case studies is intended to serve as a guide for local decisionmakers, municipal officials, and environmental activists; it is also a resource for citizens concerned about the quality of their local environment. Also available: a CD ROM version that includes color photographs and new case studies on "low-impact development" solutions.
Florida Everglades
FAQ: Answers to questions including: What is the Everglades? What types of environmental threats does the region face? What's being done today to save the Everglades?
Rising Tide of Illness: How Global Warming Could Increase the Threat of Waterborne Diseases
Fact Sheet: Although there is little public discussion of the problem, disease outbreaks caused by contaminated water occur regularly. Researchers estimate that, including unreported cases, between 4 and 33 million waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses occur each year in the United States. Global warming is projected to increase the risk of more frequent and more widespread outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, due to higher temperatures and more severe weather events. To help prevent increased occurrence of water-related illnesses, the CDC should improve surveillance of waterborne disease outbreaks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should improve water quality regulations, and Congress should act to limit emissions of global warming pollutants. We need to act now to protect public health today while preparing for the impacts of climate change.
Get document in pdf.
Seizing a Watershed Opportunity in the Chesapeake Bay NRDC’s Plan to Clean Up the Chesapeake Bay and Its Beaches Issue Paper: As the largest estuary in the United States -- and the third largest estuary in the world -- the Chesapeake Bay is home to a wide range of wildlife and is an important resource for the millions of people who live, play, and work in the region. On the heels of reports from seven federal agencies commissioned by President Obama to clean up this national treasure, this issue paper delves into the sources of pollution that are undermining the health of the Bay and provides recommendations for mitigating them. From dangerous algal blooms, to harmful bacteria at our beaches, plastic bags clogging tributaries and economic hardships for the crabbing industry, the Chesapeake watershed and those who rely on it are in need of help. By acting on our recommendations, Congress can bolster the work being carried out by other branches of government and make a lasting difference in improving the health of the nation's largest estuary.
Water Saving Solutions Stopping Pollution at its Source with Low Impact Development Fact Sheet: America's urban landscape is affecting our cities' water supply and water quality. Runoff from urban areas is a leading cause of water pollution in the United States, and in many areas people are using water faster than it can be replenished. More than 100 million acres of land have been developed in the United States, and with development and sprawl increasing faster than population growth, the risks to water supply and quality are growing. Low impact development, or LID, is a simple and cost-effective green development strategy that can help cities, states, and even individuals meet the water supply challenge, clean up our existing water resources, and, in many places in the West, curb global warming pollution by reducing the amount of electricity used to supply water. Get document in pdf.
A Clear Blue Future How Greening California Cities Can Address Water Resources and Climate Challenges in the 21st Century Issue Paper: This NRDC and UCSB analysis shows that implementing low impact development, or LID, practices at new and redeveloped residential and commercial properties in parts of California can increase water supplies by billions of gallons each year, providing an effective and much-needed way to mitigate global warming’s impact on California.
Clearing the Waters From the Chesapeake to California, NRDC is fighting to restore America’s threatened waterways Overview: The United States has made significant progress cleaning up the nation's waterways since Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972, but much more remains to be done. Although some of the most obvious signs of contamination have disappeared, other sources of pollution persist, and water resources are frequently overtaxed, particularly in the West.
Beach Pollution Frequently Asked Questions FAQ: Answers to questions including: How widespread is beach pollution? What are the major causes of beach pollution? Can swimming in polluted water make you sick?
Pollution-Related Beach Closings and Advisories Remain High in 2008 Stormwater and sewage spills continue to wash pollution into beach waters News: Pollution-related closings and health advisories at U.S. beaches remained high in 2008, according to NRDC's annual report on beachwater quality. The reported number of closings and advisories made 2008 the fourth-worst for beaches since NRDC began tracking these events 19 years ago.
Testing the Waters 2009 A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches Report: NRDC's annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that pollution caused the number of beach closings and advisories to hit their fourth-highest level in the 19-year history of the report. The number of 2008 closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches topped 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, confirming that our nation's beaches continue to suffer from serious water pollution that puts swimmers at risk. The 2009 survey is based on information reported for 2008.
Water Quality at U.S. Beaches How to find out whether state and local authorities test for beach pollution, and what they do if they find it. Guide: Wondering how clean the water is at your favorite vacation spot? Finding an answer can be tricky. Beach testing and closing/health advisory practices vary from beach to beach and state to state. Even when states and localities perform tests, they don't always notify the public or close beaches when bacteria levels in the water exceed health standards. Learn how you can try to check the safety of your favorite beach before you head out for a swim.
Making Every Drop Work Increasing Water Efficiency in California’s Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Sector Issue Paper: Reliable and adequate access to water is critical for businesses and their surrounding communities. Across the nation, water shortages are triggering growing concern and an acceleration of efforts to increase water use efficiency. Adopting water-efficient technologies and practices that reduce consumption holds great potential for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) water users. In this May 2009 issue paper, NRDC recommends a number of available and cost-effective measures that can help stretch limited water supplies, save businesses money, reduce energy consumption, improve water quality, and protect local, regional, and statewide ecosystems.
Testimony Concerning Efforts to Address Urban Stormwater Runoff
Testimony: Testimony of Nancy Stoner, co-director of NRDC's Water Program, before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on the barriers to full, effective implementation of green infrastructure as an integral part of water and wastewater resources management in communities across the country, March 19, 2009. Get document in pdf.
Water Efficiency Saves Energy Reducing Global Warming Through Water Use Strategies Fact Sheet: The collection, distribution, and treatment of drinking water and wastewater nationwide consume tremendous amounts of energy and release approximately 116 billion pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year--as much global warming pollution each year as 10 million cars. The energywater connection is particularly strong in the driest regions of the United States, such as the Southwest, where significant amounts of energy are used to import water. Solutions exist to cut both water and energy use. Through water efficiency measures, we can help to protect dry areas from drought, lower consumers’ utility bills, and reduce global warming pollution. Get document in pdf.
More Water, Less Waste Improving Global Sanitation and Freshwater Access with Waterless Toilets and Rainwater Harvesting Fact Sheet: Around the world, temperatures are rising and sources of freshwater are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Two and a half billion people already lack access to basic sanitation, and nearly one billion people lack access to safe drinking water. Adding to the problem, global warming is expected to lead to more floods and more droughts, both of which reduce the availability of safe, clean freshwater for drinking, sanitation, irrigation and other basic needs. Fortunately, there are technologies such as waterless toilets and rainwater harvesting that can be deployed immediately -- and costeffectively -- to improve sanitation, protect existing supplies of freshwater, and create new sources of safe water. Get document in pdf.
21st Century Water Planning: The Importance of a Coordinated Approach
Testimony: Testimony of Nancy K. Stoner, co-director of NRDC's water program before the House Science Committee, March 4, 2009. Get document in pdf.
Arsenic in Drinking Water
FAQ: Answers to questions including: How can I find out whether my drinking water contains arsenic? Can I buy a filter that will remove arsenic from my water? I drink bottled water -- do I have to worry about arsenic?
Deepest Cuts Repairing Health Monitoring Programs Slashed Under the Bush Administration Issue Paper: When it comes to protecting public health from dangerous contaminants, the Bush Administration has left a legacy of dismal failure. We rely on the government to monitor contaminants and hazardous residues to ensure that our food, water, air, communities, and consumer products are safe. For decades, federal agencies charged with safeguarding health and the environment have tracked pollution, required industry reporting, and monitored disease rates. These programs provide the foundation for all health and environmental protection. Without adequate monitoring, the public, the scientific community, and the government are unaware of the hazards around us. New NRDC research in this December 2008 issue paper shows that the Bush Administration has dangerously slashed federal environmental and health monitoring programs.
The 35th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act: Successes and Future Challenges
Testimony: Testimony of Peter Lehner, Executive Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House of Representatives on October 18, 2007.
Missing Protection Polluting the Mississippi River Basin's Small Streams and Wetlands Report: Our nation's rivers, streams, and small bodies of water -- which have long been protected by the Clean Water Act -- are now in danger because of a series of misguided court decisions. Recent interpretations of the law suggest that many waters historically protected from pollution can now be polluted or destroyed without a permitting process to limit the environmental impact of discharges into the waters. This October 2008 issue paper discusses the particular danger of this change in interpretation in relation to the problem of nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River Basin.
Testimony of Mae Wu on Bottled Water
Testimony: NRDC Attorney Mae Wu testifies before a Senate subcommittee that the bottled water that millions of Americans drink each day is allowed to contain more toxic chemicals than tap water. Wu calls for testing bottled water and labels that would let the public know what they're actually drinking.
Fish Out of Water
Issue Paper: In April 2008, state and federal agencies took the unprecedented step of completely closing the commercial fishery for Chinook salmon. And California now faces the possibility of becoming a state where salmon fishing is a thing of the past and where wild, locally caught California salmon permanently vanishes from restaurant menus and supermarkets. This July 2008 issue paper examines the operation of water management projects in the state as one of the most significant -- and reversible -- causes of the fishery collapse and provides comprehensive policy recommendations for restoring and sustaining this treasured resource.
Bottled Water
FAQ: Answers to questions including: Is bottled water safer than tap water? How can I find out where my bottled water comes from? If I drink tap water should I use a filter and what types of filters are most effective?
Bringing Safe Water to the World
News: Environmental stewardship can help eliminate the world's biggest health risk -- dirty water.
Hotter and Drier The West's Changed Climate Report: Human activities are already changing the climate of the American West. This report by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), drawn from 50 scientific studies, 125 other government and scientific sources, and our own new analyses, documents that the West is being affected more by a changed climate than any other part of the United States outside of Alaska. When compared to the 20th century average, the West has experienced an increase in average temperature during the last five years that is 70 percent greater than the world as a whole. Responding quickly at all levels of government by embracing the solutions that are available is critical to minimizing further disruption of this region’s climate and economy.
Safe Water in Peril Addressing the Effects of Global Warming on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Fact Sheet: More than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than two billion people live without improved sanitation. To avoid an outright global water catastrophe, local, national, and global leaders must reduce pollution to minimize further climate change while preparing vulnerable communities to deal with the changes in climate that are already occurring or are unavoidable. Get document in pdf.
What’s Coming Out of the Tap? How to Ensure That Your Family’s Drinking Water Is Safe Fact Sheet: Despite the many sources of pollution that can affect drinking water, with a little research, proper testing, and treatment (if necessary) you can help to ensure that the water you and your family drink is safe. NRDC is joining with local communities to keep drinking water clean and to curb pollution long before it reaches your tap. Get document in pdf.
Restoring the San Joaquin River
News: In the 1940s, a giant dam nearly killed California's San Joaquin River and its legendary salmon run. A court ruling could bring the river back to life, restoring the salmon fishery, providing clean irrigation water for farms and improving drinking water quality for millions of Californians.
In Hot Water: Water Management Strategies to Weather the Effects of Global Warming Water Management Strategies to Weather the Effects of Global Warming Report: Drought and dry conditions withering the western United States are likely to persist and intensify, jeapordizing the region's water supply and water quality, compromising the health of rivers and lakes, and increasing the risk of flooding for Western communities. As stewards of these scarce resources, water managers can lead the response to the effects of global warming on water in the West. This NRDC report breaks new ground by analyzing the effects of global warming on a full range of water management tools and offering recommendations to meet the challenge. As the hotter, drier weather already afflicting the region becomes more common, officials responsible for keeping the taps flowing will need to take bold measures now, including conservation and efficiency, and supporting measures to control and reduce global warming in the future.
Historic Hudson River Cleanup to Begin After Years of Delay, But Will GE Finish the Job?
History: Under the EPA's unusual agreement with General Electric, the company could escape full responsibility for cleaning up the toxic mess it made in the Hudson River.
Keeping Our Waters Clean in the Monterey Bay Region How Smaller Communities Can Prevent Toxic Runoff Fact Sheet: Stormwater runoff is a leading source of coastal pollution in California, damaging the environment and threatening public health. NRDC developed a three-part strategy of prevention, monitoring and enforcement that can help smaller and midsized cities deal with this toxic stormwater runoff before it pollutes local waterways and puts public health at risk. This effective and straightforward plan has already been adopted, and once fully implemented, will successfully manage runoff in coastal communities along the Monterey Peninsula in California.
Morro Bay-Cayucos Sewage Treatment Plant and Sea Otter Habitat
Fact Sheet: The threatened California sea otter numbers just 2,700 statewide. The Morro Bay/Cayucos sewage plant in California has dumped pollutants into the ocean for more than two decades -- directly into bay waters that are a hotspot for sea otter deaths. Although the construction time for the Morro Bay sewage plant upgrade to meet basic federal standards is less than two and a half years, plant officials do not intend to complete the project until March 2014. The plant's own documents show that a faster, more efficient upgrade is not only possible, but would be less expensive as well.
Water for the World Solving the Decade’s Most Pressing Environmental Health Problem Fact Sheet: Lack of safe drinking water and sanitation is the single largest cause of illness in the world. In 2005, the United States passed landmark legislation to address the need for affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation, and NRDC now calls on Congress to provide the necessary funding. Get document in pdf.
New York State's Strained Ocean Resources Commercially and culturally vital, New York's shorelines, beaches and fisheries are in trouble. Fact Sheet: Healthy, diverse ocean ecosystems are an important part of New York's coastal heritage and economic well-being. Yet these ocean systems are severely strained from pollution, destruction of productive marine habitat, and overfishing.
Rooftops to Rivers: Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows
Report: This May 2006 report is a policy guide for decision makers looking to implement green stormwater strategies to stop water pollution at its source. It includes nine case studies of cities that have successfully used green infrastructure techniques to reduce runoff and combined sewer overflow (CSO) pollution to create a healthier urban environment.
Drinking Water Jeopardized in Arizona's Black Mesa Region
News: An underground aquifer that sustains two Native American tribes in Arizona's arid Black Mesa region is showing serious signs of decline after three decades of pumping by the Peabody Coal Company, which drains more than a billion gallons of water from the reservoir each year to transport coal.
Consumer Guide to Water Filters How to find the right water filter for your home. Guide: Some filters aim to produce clearer, better-tasting water, while others work to remove contaminants that could affect your health. This guide will help you determine what type of filter might be right for your home.
Tap Water Quality and Safety Questions and answers based on NRDC's report grading the quality of drinking water in U.S. cities. FAQ: Answers to questions including: How can I find out about the quality of my tap water? What can I do to protect the drinking water in my town? What filter will best protect my family from getting sick?
Facts about Pollution from Livestock Farms
Overview: Facts and figures about pollution from factory farms, which produce staggering amounts of animal wastes that pollute the environment and do serious harm to humans, fish and ecosystems.
Pollution from Giant Livestock Farms Threatens Public Health
News: Factory farms -- giant livestock farms that house thousands of cows, chickens or pigs -- produce staggering amounts of animal wastes. These wastes are often stored and used in ways that expose people to dangerous bacteria, toxic gases and other hazardous substances, and punish the natural environment.
EPA's Proposed Policy on Sewage Dumping During Wet Weather Conditions
Testimony: The proposed policy will worsen water quality, expose the public to greater risk of illness and death from waterborne pathogens and toxic chemicals, and adversely affect the economy.
Sewage Pollution Threatens Public Health Aging sewer systems and rollbacks of environmental law are compounding the problem. News: Sewage overflows are creating a public health crisis. Find out how aging sewer systems and Bush Administration rollbacks of environmental law are compounding the problem.
Pollution Unchecked: A Case Study of Greene County, Pennsylvania
Report: Southwestern Pennsylvania's Greene County suffers from serious air and water pollution, and cancer rates in this predominantly low-income Appalachian community are substantially higher than state and national averages. This December 2004 report details the results of NRDC's investigation into the county's pollution problems, and finds that despite the obvious health risks county residents face, state and federal officials have repeatedly allowed inadequate monitoring of air and water pollution and have made no significant effort to collect data on possible health effects linked to pollution in Greene County.
Energy Down the Drain The Hidden Costs of California's Water Supply Report: In the western United States, there is a close connection between water and power resources. Water utilities use large amounts of energy to treat and deliver water, and even after utilities deliver water, consumers burn more energy to heat, cool and use it. This August 2004 report from NRDC and the Pacific Institute shows how water planners in California have largely failed to consider the energy implications of their decisions, and suggests a model for how policymakers can calculate the amount of energy consumed in water use. Integrating energy use into water planning can save money, reduce waste, protect our environment and strengthen our economy.
Swimming in Sewage The Growing Problem of Sewage Pollution and How the Bush Administration Is Putting Our Health and Environment at Risk Report: This February 2004 report from NRDC and the Environmental Integrity Project describes the emerging environmental and public health crisis resulting from our nation's failure to effectively treat sewage, presents seven case studies from around the country that illustrate how exposure to sewage pollution has killed or seriously injured people and harmed local economies, and recommends solutions to America's sewage problem.
What's On Tap? Grading Drinking Water in U.S. Cities
Report: This June 2003 NRDC study of drinking water quality in 19 U.S. cities finds that pollution and deteriorating, out-of-date plumbing are sometimes delivering drinking water that might pose health risks to some residents -- and unless steps are taken now, tap water will get worse. The report issues grades to each municipal water system studied in three problem areas -- water quality and compliance, source water protection, and right-to-know compliance -- and outlines a plan for protecting the nation's drinking water supply.
Study Finds Safety of Drinking Water in U.S. Cities at Risk NRDC reports on the drinking water systems of 19 cities and finds that pollution, old pipes and outdated treatment threaten tap water quality. News: NRDC reports on the drinking water systems of 19 cities and finds that pollution, old pipes and outdated treatment threaten tap water quality.
Cape May to Montauk: A Coastal Protection Report Card
Report: The Atlantic coastlines of New York and New Jersey are imperiled today by widespread pollution and unchecked coastal development. This December 2002 NRDC study grades 169 localities and a half-dozen state and federal agencies for their effectiveness at controlling pollution and managing coastal sprawl.
Nature along New York and New Jersey's Atlantic Coastlines
Photo Album: New York and New Jersey's Atlantic coastal lands and waters -- the most densely populated area in the United States -- is also home to a vital, varied and unique community of plants, birds, mammals, fish and many other creatures. See what's wild in the neighborhood with this month-by-month guide.
Clean Water at Risk: An Assessment of Bush Administration Water Protection Rollbacks
Report: An October 2002 NRDC report -- issued on the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act -- that assesses the impact this landmark environmental law has had on the safety and environmental health of the nation’s waterways and documents the Bush administration's sustained attack on clean water protections.
Wetlands at Risk: Imperiled Treasures How a Supreme Court Decision Jeopardizes Millions of Acres of Waters and Wetlands. Report: America's wetlands, which provide critical wildlife habitat as well as pollution and flood control, are drained, filled and polluted at an alarming rate. This July 2002 report from NRDC and the National Wildlife Federation looks at the potentially damaging consequences of a January 2001 Supreme Court decision regarding "isolated wetlands," and illustrates the vital role these areas play in ecosystems across the United States.
Out of the Gutter Reducing Polluted Runoff in the District of Columbia Report: Every time it rains, Washington, D.C. -- like most major cities -- is plagued by stormwater runoff, which has gravely contaminated the city's three major rivers (the Potomac, the Anacostia, and Rock Creek). To clean up the pollution, the city's Water and Sewer Authority is relying on conventional stormwater management practices, which are costly and outdated. In this July 2002 report, NRDC recommends instead that WASA adopt an approach called low-impact development, which would use "green" roofs, strategically placed beds of native plants, rain barrels, and other measures to soak up rain and prevent it from washing directly into waterways. NRDC is also urging the local government and WASA to restructure the city's flat stormwater fee, protect environmentally sensitive lands, restore the urban forest, and encourage water conservation and water reuse techniques.
Cleaning Up the Anacostia River
Overview: After more than a century of abuse, plans are being made to bring Washington, D.C.'s "Forgotten River" back to life.
Mimicking Nature to Solve a Water-Pollution Problem
Photo Album: Urban runoff -- dirty rainwater that's swept straight across pavement and other hard surfaces into our waterways -- is a serious threat to our nation's waters. But with "low-impact development," one increasingly popular solution to runoff, communities can reduce water pollution, beautify landscapes, and save money all at once.
Cesspools of Shame How Factory Farm Lagoons and Sprayfields Threaten Environmental and Public Health Report: This July 2001 report from NRDC and the Clean Water Network documents how animal waste from factory farms threatens human health and our nation's rivers. Most factory farms store animal waste in open lagoons as large as several football fields. Lagoons routinely burst, sending millions of gallons of manure into waterways and spreading microbes that can cause gastroenteritis, fevers, kidney failure, and death. This report lists the track records of the largest polluters and recommends existing technology that is safer and more sustainable.
California's Contaminated Groundwater Is the State Minding the Store? Report: Despite the importance of groundwater to its population and economy -- and ample evidence of dangerous groundwater-contamination problems that will be expensive to address -- California does not effectively monitor or protect its groundwater supplies. This April 2001 report documents the lapses in the state's data gathering, monitoring, and protection of this vital resource, and makes recommendations for reforms.
Advanced Ways to Clean Up Our Water
Guide: Runoff from lawns, sidewalks, roads and driveways is a major contributor to surface water pollution. Advanced ways to help reduce the flow of polluted runoff include installing a water storage cistern, rain garden or vegetated roof.
How to Clean Up Our Water Twelve simple ways you can help stem the tide of polluted runoff. Guide: Sewage overflows and runoff from farms and city streets close thousands of miles of beaches each year and poison our food supply and drinking water. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help. Here are 12 simple actions to help stem the tide of polluted runoff -- and clean up and conserve our waters.
Land of Little Rivers: Fly Fishing in the Catskills
Photo Album: Fly fishing enthusiasts are among the most ardent advocates for clean and healthy rivers. These photos illustrate fly fishing on the rivers and streams of the Catskill mountains, including the still undammed Beaverkill River, one of the country's best known and most beloved trout streams.
Urban Stormwater Solutions
News: Cities, developers, corporations and schools are beginning to find new ways of reducing stormwater pollution, as illustrated in these case studies.
Urban Stormwater Pollution
Overview: Our drinking water supplies, shellfishing waters and bathing beaches are fouled by uncontrolled pollution when rainwater and snowmelt wash over city streets, parking lots and suburban lawns. This problem is called urban stormwater pollution. Recent studies have found that urban stormwater rivals (or exceeds) sewage plants and large factories as a source of damaging pollutants.
Drawdown: Groundwater Mining on Black Mesa
Report: For more than 40 years, Peabody Western Coal Company has been draining billions of gallons of potable, pristine groundwater from an aquifer under the Black Mesa plateau in Arizona -- water that serves as the primary source of drinking water for the area’s Hopi and Navajo residents. In 2000, NRDC published an assessment of the damage caused by this groundwater mining and determined that the Navajo aquifer showed signs of serious decline after years of pumping by Peabody. This 2006 update to the original report concludes that material damage is still present in Black Mesa and that the aquifer shows signs of continuing damage and deterioration. NRDC also considers the role of the federal government in addressing the damage and recommends actions that would help conserve Black Mesa's water supply.
Water Life: An Interview with Vernon Masayesva
Interview: In this conversation with NRDC, Hopi leader Vernon Masayesva reflects on Hopi tradition, groundwater depletion, and his own long battle with the Peabody Western Coal Company and the U.S. government to save the drinking water under his tribe's reservation on the Black Mesa plateau in Arizona.
Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?
Report: A petition to the FDA and attached report on the results of NRDC's four-year study of the bottled water industry, including its bacterial and chemical contamination problems. The petition and report find major gaps in bottled water regulation and conclude that bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water.
Arsenic and Old Laws A Scientific and Public Health Analysis of Arsenic Occurrence in Drinking Water, Its Health Effects, and EPA's Outdated Arsenic Tap Water Standard. Report: A scientific and public health analysis of arsenic occurrence in drinking water, its health effects, and EPA's outdated arsenic tap water standard. A report analyzing data collected by water systems in 25 states between 1980 and 1998 and compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The study finds that millions of Americans drink tap water from systems that have been shown to contain arsenic, a known toxin and carcinogen, at average levels that pose unacceptable cancer risks.
Cost-effective Pollution Prevention in an Industrial Setting An unlikely partnership between environmentalists and Dow Chemical achieves major pollution reductions. News: An unlikely partnership between environmentalists and Dow Chemical achieves major pollution reductions.
Environmentalists and Dow: Chemical Reduction
Interview: Between 1996 and early 1999, NRDC worked on a groundbreaking project with a truly unlikely partner: Dow Chemical. The project tested the idea of pollution prevention -- improving the manufacturing process to stop pollution before it's created -- at one of the largest chemical manufacturing plants in the United States. What was it like for an environmentalist to work with Dow Chemical? NRDC scientist Linda Greer, who headed the project for NRDC, tells all.
Preventing Industrial Pollution at its Source A Final Report of the Michigan Source Reduction Initiative Report: A report detailing a project undertaken by NRDC, Dow Chemical, and a group of five community activists to reduce waste and emissions at Dow's Midland, Michigan, chemical manufacturing plant. The project, begun in late 1996 and completed in April 1999, aimed to achieve 35 percent reductions in pollution emission through pollution prevention -- manufacturing process improvements that decrease waste before it is generated. The project exceeded that goal, achieving emissions reductions of 43 percent.
Summary Findings of NRDC's 1999 Bottled Water Report
News: Sales of bottled water have exploded in recent years, largely because of a public perception of purity. But bottled water sold in the United States is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water, according to an NRDC study. There are actions that those who are particularly concerned about the quality of their tap water can take.
Under Attack: New York's Kensico and West Branch Reservoirs Confront Intensified Development
Report: A report finding that encroaching development and inadequate protection by city and state officials threaten New York City's two most important reservoirs.
America's Animal Factories How States Fail to Prevent Pollution from Livestock Waste Report: A report examining the environmental and health consequences of pollution from industrial livestock farms in 30 states, as well as the widely varying efforts to curtail it.
Another Cost of Sprawl: The Effects of Land Use on Wastewater Utility Costs
Report: A 1998 NRDC study that adds to the growing body of literature demonstrating that low-density sprawl development is costly, inefficient, and inequitable.