1(1) 2Sections 3373.4514-5373.4595 6may be cited as the “Surface Water Improvement and Management Act.” 17(2) 18Legislative intent.20-21The Legislature finds that the water quality of many of the surface waters of the state has been degraded, or is in danger of becoming degraded, and that the natural systems associated with many surface waters have been altered so that these surface waters no longer perform the important functions that they once performed. These functions include:78(a) 79Providing aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the people of the state;
90(b) 91Providing habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife, including endangered and threatened species;
104(c) 105Providing safe drinking water to the growing population of the state; and
117(d) 118Attracting visitors and accruing other economic benefits.
125(3) 126The Legislature finds that the declining quality of the state’s surface waters has been detrimental to the public’s right to enjoy these surface waters and that it is the duty of the state, through the state’s agencies and subdivisions, to enhance the environmental and scenic value of surface waters.
175(4) 176The Legislature finds that factors contributing to the decline in the ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and economic value of the state’s surface waters include:199(a) 200Point and nonpoint source pollution; and
206(b) 207Destruction of the natural systems which purify surface waters and provide habitats.
219(5) 220The Legislature finds that many surface water problems can be and have been corrected and prevented through plans and programs for surface water improvement and management that are developed and implemented by the water management districts, the department, and local governments.
261(6) 262It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that each water management district develop plans and programs for the improvement and management of surface waters within its boundaries.
290(7) 291It is also the intent of the Legislature that the department, the water management districts, and others conduct research to provide a better scientific understanding of the causes and effects of surface water pollution and of the destruction of natural systems in order to improve and manage surface waters and associated natural systems.
