The Congress finds and declares that—

(1) the existence of an adequate supply of water of good quality for the production of materials and energy for the Nation’s needs and for the efficient use of the Nation’s energy and water resources is essential to national economic stability and growth, and to the well-being of the people;

(2) the management of water resources is closely related to maintaining environmental quality, productivity of natural resources and agricultural systems, and social well-being;

(3) there is an increasing threat of impairment to the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater resources;

(4) the Nation’s capabilities for technological assessment and planning and for policy formulation for water resources must be strengthened at the Federal, State, and local governmental levels;

(5) there should be a continuing national investment in water and related research and technology commensurate with growing national needs;

(6) it is necessary to provide for the research and development of technology for the conversion of saline and other impaired waters to a quality suitable for municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and other beneficial uses;

(7) the Nation must provide programs to strengthen research and associated graduate education because the pool of scientists, engineers, and technicians trained in fields related to water resources constitutes an invaluable natural resource which should be increased, fully utilized, and regularly replenished; and [1]

(8) long-term planning and policy development are essential to ensure the availability of an abundant supply of high quality water for domestic and other uses; and

(9) the States must have the research and problem-solving capacity necessary to effectively manage their water resources.

(Pub. L. 98–242, title I, § 102, Mar. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 97; Pub. L. 104–147, § 1, May 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1375.)