Joan B. Ross, Matthew O. Schlenk and Bruno Basso
As we celebrate Earth Day 2024 and think about the health of our blue planet, there is no crisis more important than the intersection of land and water in rural America.
Water problems there have escalated into a serious situation requiring immediate attention. The groundwater we rely on to supply rural Americans is at serious risk of overexploitation and contamination. Surface waters are affected by over-application of chemical fertilizers, septic tanks, sewage sludge and animal waste.
This Earth Day, we call for clear action: Nation’s leaders and citizens alike must take decisive steps to address this emergency.
The importance of water goes beyond mere consumption. It is integral to food production, recreation and ecosystem health, especially in rural America where groundwater wells and septic systems form the backbone of daily life. Water systems in rural areas are complex and include a variety of features such as tile drains, gutters, small tributaries, ponds, and lakes. These systems are in contact with groundwater and surface water on a larger scale and are deeply affected by climate conditions, including temperature changes, flooding, droughts and extreme weather events.
Water quality and food safety are at risk not only from pathogens and chemicals, but also from excess nitrates (linked to new risks such as thyroid cancer) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Animal fecal waste (manure) that is neither monitored nor managed for pathogens has now become an even greater source of nutrient contamination and zoonotic diseases (an estimated 1.4 billion tons of manure are produced in the United States each year).
For the 46 million people living in America’s rural communities, the stakes are high. Their health and economic vitality are vital.
Not to mention the economic impact associated with recreational and retirement destinations on the fringes of major cities like the Great Lakes region. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that fishing generates $7 billion annually. When individual beaches are closed, total seasonal losses are estimated at $360,000 to $24 million.
Unfortunately, water and fecal waste management were overlooked in USDA’s FY 2022-2026 strategic plan. Across the board, it is clear that more goals are needed in this area. Climate change exacerbates problems such as water shortages and over-pumping of groundwater, while precipitation runoff and irrigation patterns exacerbate the spread of pollutants and microorganisms. It is critical to recognize that land management practices are at the root of these risks. However, despite the challenges, viable solutions still exist and must be pursued to effectively address these pressing issues.
Michigan has become a leader in this field, demonstrating the potential of science and technology to revolutionize water quality management. Significant progress in sustainable water management can be achieved by modernizing infrastructure and adopting precision agriculture, while cultivating public-private partnerships.
However, as poverty, inadequate water infrastructure, and food insecurity now become critical issues in the United States, efforts to mitigate pollution and protect water quality must be stepped up. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and climate initiatives, now is the time. This requires implementing best management practices in agriculture to reduce runoff and minimizing chemical inputs, enforcing regulations to prevent industrial pollution, and promoting sustainable land use practices to protect water resources for years to come.
We support two new goals to address water issues in rural communities:
- Use advanced and modern tools to improve monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality while building spatial and temporal repositories.
- Addressing innovative approaches to controlling fecal contamination from septic systems, manure and farm stormwater contamination, and resource recovery that enhances the circular economy.
Only by prioritizing investment in infrastructure, implementing and documenting pollution prevention measures, and promoting community engagement can we begin to address the root causes of the rural water crisis. . Our nation’s health and future sustainability depend on it.
Joan B. Rose is Director of the Water Alliance and Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. Matthew O. Schrenk is associate professor of earth and environmental sciences and of microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University. Bruno Basso is the John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
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