The survival of all plants and animals is dependent on clean water.  Water is a limited, natural resource 
obtained from two main sources, surface (reservoirs, watersheds) and Ground.  Water pollution is a 
vast problem, which threatens many forms of life.  Pollution has two main sources as well, Point 
(industry) and Non-Point (consumer).  The United States is fortunate enough to have one of the safest water supplies in the world.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the leaders in protecting our natural resources, like water.  In collaboration with other regional, state, and local groups they study the water resources, and their quality.  Together they enforce the legislation of the Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act.

Northern Virginia has a number of water sources.  Point Source Pollution has contaminated some of these waters.  The EPA and other groups enforce the regulations in place and make these Point sources responsible for cleanups.  The regulations are difficult to enforce on Non-Point sources, where most of the contamination has been identified as coming from.  Non-Point pollution is a great threat to our waters.  The EPA has educational programs, as well as watershed groups where consumers can become involved.  To provide greater protection of our waters, requires education and involvement of individuals.