FOCUS ON WATER QUALITY. Sponsor Xxx Method Deputy Commissioner Office of the Commissioner (000) 000-0000 email: xxxxxxx@xxx.xxxxx.xx.xx Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxx Deputy Assistant Commissioner Office of Water Quality (000) 000-0000 email: xxxxx@xxx.xxxxx.xx.xx Introduction The quality of Indiana’s surface water and drinking water has vastly improved in the past few decades. However, Indiana has 208 documented impaired waterbodies and some streams have yet to be adequately characterized. Indiana still has some drinking water providers that do not provide safe water 100% of the time. Also, Indiana has lost about 85% of the valuable wetlands that serve to enhance water quality. The government and private sector continue to invest billions of dollars and much time and attention to water quality issues in Indiana. This focus is warranted and supports the inclusion of a focus on water quality as an agency-wide priority. A number of stresses contribute to existing water quality problems: ■ The infrastructure for proper handling and treatment of our wastewater and our drinking water continues to need upgrading and reinvestment. ■ Antiquated combined sewer overflow systems continue to discharge untreated wastewater. ■ The stresses of growth in both our urban and rural areas tax existing systems and create new threats to surface and groundwater. ■ Pipe discharges to our streams have been effectively controlled but, as science and technology evolves, further reductions in toxic pollution are possible. ■ Runoff from urban areas, agricultural activities and other human activities continues to contribute significantly to existing water quality problems. ■ Air deposition of contaminants such as mercury and nitrogen continue to threaten the quality of water bodies. ■ Some smaller drinking water systems may not adequately test or treat their drinking water provided to the public. ■ A recent federal court decision removed a significant percent of Indiana’s wetlands from federal jurisdiction.
