Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Why Do We Need Healthy Rivers?

Clean, healthy rivers are the lifeblood of our communities and are vital to our health, safety, and quality of life. Most Americans live within a mile of a river or stream, and all of our drinking water comes directly or indirectly from rivers and streams.
By protecting and restoring rivers, we are protecting clean drinking water, creating jobs and recreation opportunities that benefit our economy, and revitalizing our natural heritage for future generations.

Healthy rivers give us clean drinking water

More than 60 percent of Americans’ drinking water comes from rivers and streams.  A healthy river and surrounding forests can act as a natural water filter, reducing the need to treat the water with chemicals or expensive filtration systems.

Healthy rivers are good for the economy

Going fishing may feel like taking the day off, but its overall economic impact in the U.S. is estimated at $116 billion. And consider the fact that more people fish in the United States than go to Disneyworld.  When Americans participate in outdoor activities, they aren’t just having fun and staying fit, they’re also pumping billions of dollars into the economy--  in industries including manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, transportation, and wholesale and retail trade. 

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