Clean water sustains our communities, economies, ecosystems, and health.
In the early 1970s, NRDC helped win passage of the Clean Water Act, our nation's bedrock water-pollution law. Since then, we have continued to fight for a clean, safe, and sufficient water supply. We push the federal government to strengthen protections for drinking-water sources, and we find ways for cities to keep pollution out of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters—both for our benefit and the benefit of fish and wildlife. Our work also helps homes, buildings, farms, and power plants use water as efficiently as possible, so that there's plenty for all of us and for future generations.
Our Priorities
Water Pollution
About 40 percent of U.S. rivers and lakes are too polluted for fishing.
Healthy Rivers and Ecosystems
Hundreds of freshwater fish in North America are currently at risk of extinction.
Water-Smart Farms
Up to 75 percent of America's water is used for irrigating crops.
Water-Smart Cities
Green infrastructure could keep the sewage systems in 750 cities from overflowing into waterways during storms.
Climate Resilience
Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe storms and floods across the globe.
Safe Drinking Water
In 2015, 18 million people were served by water systems with lead violations.
What's at Stake
What you can do
Demand Clean Water
Two years ago, Flint, Michigan's drinking water was contaminated with lead—and it still is. Tell Congress to help the city's families—and all Americans—get access to clean water.
Follow these tips to save hundreds of gallons of water a day
Help reduce stormwater runoff to keep our water supply cleaner
More sustainable (and beautiful) alternatives to a grass lawn
