This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the results of a comprehensive survey looking at the health of thousands of stream and river miles across the country, finding that 55 percent are classified as poor, and another 23 percent in fair condition for aquatic life.

In certain regions, like the Coastal Plains and Temperate Plains, only 12 and 15 percent of streams respectively as found to be in good biological health. The National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) 2008-2009 Draft Report is part of EPA’s expanded effort to monitor waterways in the U.S. and gather scientific data on the condition of the nation’s water resources.

While the EPA is doing an important job, it has taken five years to compile and disseminate the 2008-2009 National Rivers and Stream Assessment data. During that time, private landowners and developers have led the effort to restore and protect thousands of miles of our nation’s waterways. With the emergence of private ecosystem markets, improvements in conservation incentives, and the advent of low-cost, green restoration, many opportunities for private owners and businesses have developed since 2008. Private industry and private landholders hold the capability and the capacity to improve the quality and quantity of our nation’s freshwater resources.

Public comment is being taken on the National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) 2008-2009 Draft Report (PDF). Comments must be emailed to nrsa-hq@epa.gov by 11:59 p.m. May 9, 2013. A fact sheet is available for a summary of the findings.

You can also register for a free webcast on the findings of the NRSA 2008-2009 on April 3, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. EDT.  Read more: http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/riverssurvey/index.cfm

Download the full EPA Survey: http://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/riverssurvey/upload/NRSA0809_Report_Final_508Compliant_130228.pdf