Sustainable Small Drinking Water Systems in North America
More than ever, sustainable surface and ground water supplies are essential to communities across
North America and around the world. The strains of industry and agriculture on ground water are
noticeable as pressures on water supplies intensify and supply patterns change. The increase of
agriculture over vulnerable aquifers, climate change and hydrocarbon production are impacting our water
quality. Unregulated use or uncontrolled flow of ground water can cause water quality degradation and
conflicts between water users. Reports have shown that ground water use has contributed to a decrease
in base-flow to some streams and rivers, affecting surface water ecosystems.