EPA: Healthy waters equals healthy economy

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WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- Environmental stewardship across all levels of government will ensure adequate supplies of clean water and healthy watersheds, U.S. officials said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spelled out a lengthy list of steps U.S. President Barack Obama was taking to protect the nation's water supply.

The EPA noted that cross-agency work was taking place at the federal, state and local level to promote sustainable water supplies. At the same time, the government was working with consumers, farmers and policymakers to make sure water is available for the next generation.

"Healthy rivers and clean waters are fundamental to our economy, our health and our way of life," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in a statement. "With growing pressures on our natural systems, we must work to secure cleaner, safer and more reliable water supplies for our communities."

The EPA said a clean and sustainable water supply is vital to the national economy and an overall healthy environment.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said steps taken to protect national waters ensures "that the vital natural resources our communities depend on for their health and their economy are safeguarded for generations to come."