Human Impact Partners Evidence Base
- The adequacy of water resources affects human health indirectly. Finally, adequate water resources are necessary for human recreational activities at lake and rivers.
- Public infrastructure may not be adequate to handle increased development; increased development competes for infrastructure dollars.
- Stormwater runoff contributes to microbial contamination of water supplies.
- Development with vast amounts of impervious surfaces can lead to runoff water that does not nourish trees, evaporate into the air (thus serving to cool), or replenish groundwater supply..
- Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised - 20% of the US population - are at the greatest risk for serious illness and mortality from waterborne pathogens.
- The extent of water-related illnesses can be from microbial or chemical contamination.