AWWA CO50821

The Clean Rivers Program examines water issues in an integrated fashion by considering all of the activities and conditions that affect water resources in a particular geographic region. Texas encompasses numerous ecoregions with distinct natural characteristics, population, and land use patterns that uniquely affect water quality. Using a watershed approach, the cumulative impacts from a variety of pollution problems can be examined within the context of each river basin's natural setting. By working with local partners, the program benefits from improved knowledge and understanding of local issues, conditions, and objectives. The Clean Rivers Program builds public participation into effective watershed planning. Regional authorities depend on the counsel of steering committees to focus and prioritize planning initiatives. These committees represent each watershed's diverse interests, including public, governmental, industrial, business, agricultural and environmental interests; and they ensure that local concerns are addressed, and regional solutions are recommended. Includes figure.