The Value of Clean Water
Clean water is essential to human life. It provides us with drinking water and grows our crops. It also sustains healthy wildlife habitat and promotes diversity among plants and animals. Clean water also offers us a variety of recreational uses, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
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Increased Runoff, Pollutant Loading and Lower Agricultural Yields
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Healthy soils means healthy waters. If we can implement practices that improve soil health, we can improve infiltration, which reduces runoff. This keeps soil and nutrients on the land and out of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Soils that are healthy and nutrient rich will also sustain higher yields longer.
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Lower Property Values
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Waterfront properties are popular and high in value. However, if these waters have algal blooms or are not aesthetically pleasing, the value will go down significantly. In addition, pollution reduces recreation opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and boating.
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Taxpayer and Opportunity Costs
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As a county, there are significant costs to “clean-up” and maintain our waters and parks. Some costs come from education, monitoring, algae removal, and aeration systems. Typically, these clean ups need to be performed annually.
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