Effects of Multiple Uses of Watersheds on Water Quality

Abstract

This article discusses the water quality effects of multiple uses of watersheds. Of primary concern is the design, and operation and maintenance of waste treatment plants. Federal and state control pressures, for design and operation, development of training opportunities for waste treatment plant operations, technical experts for solving the many anomalies, and incentive in the form of dollars are the key elements needed to close design and operating gaps. Spill pollution is an ever‐present threat to all watersheds from a variety of potential sources. The development of legislative relief measures to accelerate the development of a workable prevention program, the further refinement of surveillance and notification for spill situations, and the blending of a federal‐state government reaction capability, drawing heavily on industry, appear to be program approaches applicable to all river basins and coastal areas. Finally, the need for waste control from watercraft calls for development of uniform regulations, effective onboard treatment or control systems, and shore‐based support facilities.