42 U.S.C. § 10302: Congressional declaration of purpose

assure supplies of water sufficient in quantity and quality to meet the Nation’s expanding needs for the production of food, materials, and energy; discover practical solutions to the Nation’s water and water resources related problems, particularly those problems related to impaired water quality; assure the protection and enhancement of environmental and social values in connection with water resources management and utilization; promote the interest of State and local governments as well as private industry in research and the development of technology that will reclaim waste water and to convert saline and other impaired waters to waters suitable for municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and other beneficial uses; promote more effective coordination of the Nation’s water resources research program; promote the development of a cadre of trained research scientists, engineers, and technicians for future water resources problems; and encourage long-term planning and research to meet future water management, quality, and supply challenges.