Alabama Water Agenda

Summary - A snapshot of the threats and actions

The threat: There are no less than six state agencies with responsibility for water resources, often creating confusion, conflict or inaction.
The action: Implement executive and legislative requirements for inter-agency cooperation, clarify decision-making processes, strengthen processes by which agencies make rules to ensure dialogue with other agencies and with the public.

The threat: Enforcement of existing water protection laws and rules is severely lax; polluters too often go unnoticed or unpunished; and fines are often ineffective deterrents.
The action: Provide agencies with sufficient funding and authority to ensure adequate enforcement; improve methods for applying state fines and fees; improve public access to information about violations and enforcement actions.

The threat: State programs that monitor and protect our waters are grossly under-funded. Per capita spending on environmental protection is among the lowest in the nation.
The action: Legislature must be convinced to increase funding for these critical resources. Empower state agencies to fully avail themselves of federal funding for a variety of water protection efforts.

The threat: Increased pressure to secure water supplies, unregulated water withdrawals, and increased stormwater runoff lead to unnaturally low and unnaturally high flows which can harm water quality, recreation, and aquatic habitat as well as property values and local infrastructure.
The action: Develop a comprehensive statewide instream flow policy that includes regulations for interbasin transfers, improved permitting for withdrawals, improved flow regimes for dams, conservation programs, and drought management.

The threat: Urban and rural stormwater runoff, containing sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, is the leading cause of poor water quality in Alabama. Increasing impervious surfaces such as roads and rooftops exacerbates pollution and increases the risk of flooding.
The action: Protect in-stream flows, improve permits for stormwater discharge, develop guidance for local land-use ordinances to reduce stormwater runoff.

The threat: Paving over our natural environment destroys green spaces and streamside buffers, thereby increasing the risk of water pollution and flooding. It also leads to more costly drinking water treatment.
The action: Strengthen state and local support for principles and methods of sustainable, "smart growth" development. Allow "home rule" for local governments to develop zoning and development policies. Improve economic incentives for localities and the private sector to reduce the negative impact on water resources from development.