The source of life on our planet, water needs our protection.

Pollutants emitted into the air and onto the land often end up in our waters, where they accumulate in sediments, plants and fish. Water is recycled in a never-ending cycle from the atmosphere, to precipitation, to our waterways, and back into the atmosphere again. Along the way, a drop of water may find its way to our faucet, into our bodies, down our drains, through our wastewater treatment systems, and back into our waterways.

Children are especially vulnerable to water pollution. They are more likely to play in streams and ditches that are polluted with sewage or agricultural runoff. They also drink more water, per pound, than adults. Contaminants in water, such as lead, pesticides and endocrine disruptors, can have greater impacts on the developing brains and bodies of children.