The pollution of our water resources can have serious and wide-ranging effects on the environment and human health. The immediate effects of water pollution can be seen in water bodies and the animal and plant life that inhabits them. Pollution poisons and deforms fish and other animals, unbalances ecosystems and causes a reduction in biodiversity. Ultimately, these effects take their toll on human life. Drinking water sources become contaminated, causing sickness and disease. Pollutants accumulate in food, making it dangerous or inedible. The presence of these toxic substances in our food and water can also can lead to reproductive problems and neurological disorders. EPA studies and monitors the effects of water pollution and uses this information to set healthy emissions standards and enforce environmental regulations.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Water Science
  This is the homepage for the Office of Science and Technology.
• Drinking Water and Health: What You Need To Know
  This publications addresses locating information about your drinking water system.
• Water Quality Criteria: Human Health Criteria
  This page provides links to information about water quality and human health.

Drinking Water
Drinking Water System, Protection

Ground Water
Discharge, Hydrogeology, Protection, Runoff, Wells

Storm Water
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), Industrial Storm Water, Permits, Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs), Wet Weather Programs

Surface Water
Dumping, Marine Debris

Wastewater
Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), Biosolids, Discharges, Effluent Guidelines, Effluents, Industrial Wastewater, Municipal Wastewater Treatment, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Permits, Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), Standards, Treatment, Wastewater Systems

Water Infrastructure

Water Pollution
Community Involvement, Cost Benefit Analysis, Data, Nonpoint Sources, Point Sources, Reporting, Testing, Transboundary Pollution

Water Pollution Control
Pretreatment, Remediation, Trading, Wastewater Treatment

Water Pollution Effects
Economic Effects, Environmental Effects, Health Effects

Water Pollution Legal Aspects
Compliance, Enforcement, Guidance, Legislation, Permits, Public Comment, Regulations, Standards, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

Water Quality Monitoring
Bioassessment, Criteria, Health Advisories, Models, Standards