In December of 2013, the Government Accountability Office released a report that highlighted a flawed Environmental Protection Agency water-conservation program. It also summarized the overall state of U.S. water bodies.
The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting used the report to jump start an investigation into how the agriculture industry affects water quality.
The report focused on nonpoint-source pollution, which is the most difficult type of water pollution to control. Nonpoint-source pollution is indirect, such as agricultural runoff and storm runoff. According to the accountability office report and other federal reports, the agriculture industry is the main cause of nonpoint-source pollution.
Read the accountability office report below.
Click on the yellow boxes to read tips and see notes from the reporter.