In this chapter, we explore the water-quality dimension of the human relationship with rivers by focusing on the use of rivers for waste disposal—and the way that this use undermines the ecological and human value that healthy rivers can provide. We address questions such as these:

• Which pollutants affect the health of aquatic ecosystems and the people who use them?
• How does the Clean Water Act work to protect and restore the ecological and human uses of streams, lakes, and wetlands? How successful has it been in doing so?
• What other laws are relevant to protecting aquatic ecosystems?

For more on Chapter 8 (including all the tables and figures), see below or download the powerpoint.