Watershed Conservation a ‘Positive’ for Cities: Report

One-fourth of cities would see a “positive return on investment” if spending was directed at conserving and protecting vital watershed sources, according to The Nature Conservancy.

Preventing pollution and sediment from reaching potable sources often costs less than later treating that water, the Arlington, Virginia-based organization said today in a report that analyzed 2,000 sources of drinking water for 534 cities. The Urban Water Blueprint was completed through a partnership with the International Water Association and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.