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# GAO Report: changes needed if key EPA program is to help fulfill the nation's water quality goals
- URL: https://www.investigatemidwest.org/gao-report-changes-needed-if-key-epa-program-is-to-help-fulfill-the-nations-water-quality-goals/
- Published: 2014-05-01T15:15:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T19:15:17.000Z
- Description: 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
- Author: Robert Holly
- Tags: Datasets and Documents, EPA, GAO, pollution, Water, water quality, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-06-18 04:56

In December of 2013, the [Government Accountability Office ](http://www.gao.gov/?ref=investigatemidwest.org)released a report that highlighted a flawed [Environmental Protection Agency](http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/ag101/index.html?ref=investigatemidwest.org) 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](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/as-food-demands-rise-farmers-struggle-with-water-conservation/) 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.

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