Introduction
Watermarks on sandstone cliffs beside Lake Powell, near Page, Ariz., show how water levels have dropped on the reservoir, formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. (AFP/Getty Images/David McNew)
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Clean water is a critical resource not only for drinking but also for agriculture, energy production and high-tech manufacturing. But severe drought — once seen as an issue only for the arid West — has become a fact of life in many parts of the United States. Meanwhile, many cities depend on water mains and sewer pipes more than 100 years old. Environmental laws have sharply cut water pollution and improved drinking-water quality since the 1970s. But experts say the nation needs to spend more than $250 billion in the next several years to modernize water treatment systems, and current investments are falling short. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new ways to regulate water pollutants, and economists say charging more for water would promote conservation. But whether Americans will pay more for a resource that many view as a basic human right remains to be seen.
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Jul. 15, 2016 |
Drinking Water Safety |
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Oct. 17, 2014 |
Protecting the Oceans |
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Jun. 18, 2010 |
Water Shortages |
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Aug. 01, 2003 |
Water Shortages |
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Nov. 24, 2000 |
Water Quality |
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Dec. 15, 1995 |
Global Water Shortages |
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Feb. 11, 1994 |
Water Quality |
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Apr. 19, 1991 |
California: Enough Water for the Future? |
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Jan. 30, 1987 |
Western Water |
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Jul. 12, 1985 |
Preventing Groundwater Contamination |
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Jan. 14, 1977 |
Western Water: Coming Crisis |
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Feb. 15, 1974 |
Drinking Water Safety |
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Aug. 11, 1965 |
Water Resources and National Water Needs |
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Dec. 08, 1960 |
Pollution of Water Supplies |
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Oct. 02, 1959 |
Water Needs and Resources |
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Jul. 01, 1955 |
Water for the Future |
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Jul. 24, 1953 |
Water Pollution |
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Feb. 15, 1950 |
Water Supply |
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Oct. 03, 1947 |
Unclean Waters |
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Sep. 17, 1935 |
Stream Pollution and the Disposal of Waste |
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