Why the Clean Water Rule is Good for Rhode Island

Meg Kerr, Rhode Island State Director Rhode Island may be the nation’s smallest state, but we all know it as the ocean state, a lovely place that is defined by its fantastic water resources. Narragansett Bay and the rivers that feed it – the Blackstone, Taunton, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, Ten Mile, Pawtuxet along with the Wood-Pawcatuck River that flows into Little Narragansett Bay in Westerly provide Rhode Islanders with unsurpassed opportunities for fishing, boating and beautiful scenery along with critical water supply resources. The Clean Water Rule protects these waters by providing protection for ephemeral and headwater streams and wetlands. Protecting these areas is critical to maintaining good water quality in downstream waters. The protections of Clean Water Rule are important to the state’s economy as well as the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. More than half of Rhode Islanders rely on surface water reservoirs like the Scituate Reservoir and Newport’s reservoirs for their drinking water supply. The quality of water in these water supplies is protected by the Rule. April 11 was opening day for trout fishing in Rhode Island this year. The Department of Environmental Management had to cut holes in ice to stock 80,000 trout in streams, lakes and ponds throughout the state. About 20,000 fishermen took to the waters to pit their skill against these fish – showcasing the state’s vibrant outdoor recreation economy. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that in 2011, $360 million was spent on wildlife recreation in RI, including $130 million on fishing alone, and more than 402,000 people participated in these recreational activities. The Clean Water Rule will protect water quality for fishing and outdoor recreation. Other water dependent industries like the state’s emerging brewing industry also rely on clean water. Small Rhode Island breweries contribute almost $110 million to our economy every year and support more than 1,300 jobs. Rhode Island, the Water State, is truly grateful for the Clean Water Rule.