With regards to human health, water-quality concerns focus on drinking water and water that people contact during recreational and personal activities, such as swimming or fishing (particularly eating fresh-caught fish). Drinking and wastewater systems are typically regulated; however, planners play an important role in protecting groundwater and surface water, since a variety of urban-planning and design-related features influence water quality, including the use of septic systems, management of wastewater services, location of storm sewers, disposal of toxic wastes and other pollutants, and level of runoff caused by urban development.

Health and Place Initiative (HAPI) Research Brief

Water Quality, Health, and Place [PDF]

External Resources

Click here to view a list of external resources on water quality