New EPA Report Highlights Threats to America’s Lakes
An Overview
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its state and tribal partners have conducted a survey of the nation's lakes, ponds and reservoirs. This National Lakes Assessment is designed to provide statistically valid regional and national estimates of the condition of lakes.
It uses a probability-based sampling design to represent the condition of all lakes in similar regions sharing similar ecological characteristics. Consistent sampling and analytical procedures ensure that the results can be compared across the country.
According to the EPA, the National Lakes Assessment helps build state and tribal capacity for monitoring and assessment and promotes collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries in the assessment of water quality.
To learn more, click on Fact Sheet and/or Draft National Lakes Assessment Report.
Role of Green Infrastructure
It is generally recognized that a key strategy to dealing with the harms that development can cause to water resources is green infrastructure – the use of techniques such as rain gardens, porous pavement, water reuse, green roofs, and more to mimic the natural hydrology of developed sites.
The EPA report makes specific mention of this idea, saying that green infrastructure, or low impact development, “will contribute to groundwater recharge, improve water quality, reduce flooding, preserve habitat, and protect lake quality.”
Posted December 2009