Rationale | Objectives

Lesson 1- Preamble
Acknowledgement: Taken from "Living on the Land 2001"

Rationale

Sufficient quantities of good quality water are essential to us all. In addition to healthy water for drinking, we also depend on good water quality for irrigation, wildlife habitat, recreation, municipal and industrial uses, and simply enjoyment in the landscape. We all play a role in degrading our water supplies through our daily activities. This lesson will explain the interaction between humans and water quality, laws that have been created to protect our water, and ways in which small acreage owners can better manage their properties to protect water resources.

Objectives

Participants will:

1. Understand how water quality laws apply to small acreage management, be familiar with the main parameters that are tested to determine water quality, and understand that in protecting water quality, we are also protecting ourselves, wildlife, and our communities.
2. Understand the foundation for regulations governing water quality and how this responsibility has been transferred to the states.
3. Understand the connection between ground and surface water and the landowner’s role in protecting or polluting a watershed.
4. Be able to identify potential sources of pollution on their properties and implement appropriate management practices to address the problem.

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