Protecting Our Waters

In a greener, healthier world we would treat our waterways as the precious life-giving resources they are.

Girl in canoe holding sign that says
Nicholas Thomas

Clean water is vital to our ecosystems, our health and our quality of life. Unfortunately inadequate protections and lax enforcement still leave far too many of our rivers, lakes and streams vulnerable to pollution. Areas of the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes have dead zones which no longer support aquatic life, and thousands of incidents of illegal pollution have gone unpunished.

This pollution can put the drinking water for millions of Americans at risk. To make matters worse, our drinking water frequently travels through pipes and fixtures that contain lead, a potent neurotoxin, which threatens healthy brain development. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 24 million children are at risk from lead contamination.

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If we don't protect the environment then we can’t protect its natural services that are essential to our survival. Michael "Pic" Petelle, Member, Environment Georgia
It’s really great to know that the dollars we give are being spent to make our state better. State Director Jennette Gayer has done an excellent job of giving me hope. The stories of victories that she shares are inspiring and mean these problems are not impossible, and that together, we can make a difference. Barbara, Member, Environment Georgia

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John
Rumpler

John
Rumpler

Clean Water Director and Senior Attorney, Environment America

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