Pollution and Water Quality
According to the United Nations, declining water quality has become a global issue of concern as human populations grow, industrial and agricultural activities expand, and climate change threatens to cause major alterations to the hydrological cycle. Resources available in this sub-theme include manuals describing water quality testing and treatment, reports and assessments of water quality from around the world, methods of maintaining water quality and managing pollution, and other resources that support enabling environments for effective water quality control.
Browse by resource type
Pollution and Water Quality Resources
GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring
Published:
July 21, 2021The GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring effort brings together the expertise of the USGS with local and national partners to assess the ability of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Great Lakes urban areas. The term "urban stormwater" refers to rainfall or snowmelt that is...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesCommunity-Based Approaches Combined with National Policy Implications Represent the Future of Environmental Justice Research
Published:
July 22, 2021From its earliest days, environmental justice research has been rooted in the social movement that gave its name to the field. Grassroots activists against income and racial discrimination in the placement of environmental pollutants—and the overlooking of low-income and communities of color for...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesThe complicated history of environmental racism
Published:
July 22, 2021Many people understand the environment as a force of nature that cannot favor or disfavor different populations. However, similar to all things on Earth, the environment is subject to human influences. Unfortunately, these influences often tend to lower their hands to the worsts of our society...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesOp-ed: Water Pollution in Iowa Is Environmental Injustice
Published:
July 22, 2021Environmental injustice and systemic racism affect communities throughout the United States, but many communities in rural states face additional challenges. The farming activities prevalent in many rural areas can inflict serious damage on water resources, but the damage does not involve all...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesWhen Environmental Racism, a Public Health Crisis, and an Educational Emergency Collide
Published:
July 22, 2021Flint, Michigan, is ground zero for the four major crises that have afflicted the nation over the past year. In Flint, a health crisis collided with an economic downturn, systemic racism, and a burgeoning environmental crisis years before the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2014, an emergency manager...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesIndianapolis: When Lead and Racism Are Both in the Water
Published:
July 22, 2021Many policymakers and activists have heard about the environmental injustice and water disasters in places like Flint, Michigan, but Indianapolis, Indiana, is a lesser-known epicenter for environmental racism. Indianapolis’ history of heavy industry and manufacturing not only put lead directly into...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesBroken pipes. Complex funding applications. The water challenges facing California’s disadvantaged communities.
Published:
July 22, 2021California might have the fifth largest economy in the world, but many people in the state’s disadvantaged communities feel like they are living in a third world country because they don’t have safe, clean and affordable drinking water. A lack of financial resources, institutional knowledge, and...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesHow Industrial Agriculture Affects Our Water
Published:
July 22, 2021Industrial agriculture is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. Studies have found that 46 percent of the nation’s rivers and streams are in “poor biological condition,” and 21 percent of lakes are “hypereutrophic” (meaning that high levels of nutrients are degrading...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesThe origins of environmental justice—and why it’s finally getting the attention it deserves
Published:
July 22, 2021The environmental justice movement advocates for a correction to the racist and classist systems that channel environmentally harmful activities into marginalized communities. Although it has recently gained momentum, the environmental justice movement has existed for nearly 40 years. Many Black...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.