Water Resources
Goal: The water resources of the Juniata watershed should be utilized safely and efficiently at all times so that sufficient quantities of clean water exist for both native in-stream aquatic life and human and livestock consumption. Systems of response should be in place to reduce the potentially harmful impacts of both flooding and drought. Septic and public sewer systems should be kept in good working order so that wastewater does not degrade streams or ground water. Sources of water pollution such as AMD and industrial point-source pollution should be reduced and/or eliminated. Storm water should be managed not only to reduce the amount of runoff, but also to use the abundance of water for community benefit and then return clean water into our streams and rivers. For example, rain barrels could collect storm water for use as "grey water," for watering plants, washing cars, etc. Wetlands should be retained to improve water quality, reduce impact from flooding, and provide habitat for many species.
Water Quality Data
Ground Water
Drinking Water
DEP Drinking Water Information
Proper Well Construction
Other links: Rain Water Harvesting, Water Environment Federation, Water Environment Research Foundation
Definitions
Wetlands - "WETLANDS are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For purposes of this classification wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; and (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of the year." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pollution - Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the water, air, or ground that are damaging to human health and ecosystems.