From EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – EPA addresses water pollution from the watershed approach, a comprehensive framework for addressing water resource challenges. The effects of pollution and stressors (such as dams, water diversions and invasive species) in one part of an aquatic system can negatively impact other parts of the system. Restoring water quality is most effective when pollution sources, stressors and solutions are identified for the entire watershed. The watershed approach facilitates participation from interested stakeholders, optimizes use of environmental laws, and fosters local stewardship necessary to generate and sustain water quality improvements. Water quality problems are more completely characterized when a diverse group of stakeholders are invested in identifying sources and solutions. Science and technical information can be generated with direction from stakeholder groups and used to identify options for addressing the most pressing watershed vulnerabilities. The community investment generated by this process is important for ensuring that water quality improvements persist over time. (more)