Conservation of the Quality of Water of New York State as a Natural Resource.

ECONOMIC VALUE OF QUALITY IN WATER THE original abundance of water in the state of New York its very commonness, has dulled her people's appreciation of the subtle qualit;y value of their heritage. M\Iomentarily shut off from their supply the cities and industr-ies would instantly realize its vital necessity. Precipitate ruin of the wonderfully rich, living waters of the state would awaken immediate appreciation of their unreplaceable benefits. Coincident with the decreasing quali-ty condition of the waters, grows its greater economic value. The expansion of cities with their manufactures and commerce is dependent on the very water which they threaten, and the wealth flowing from. them seeks the natural wealth of the streams, and the food driven fromn their waters. Conisider the mlillions spent in carrying pure water long distances to the cities, in protection of the watersheds, building and operating filtration plants, and in the disposal of sewage. Consider the millions dependent on clean walter at the recreational resort.s of the people. Consider the value to manufactures themselves of obtaining water of the proper quality for their processes. Consider the value of fish as unrivaled sport and unreplaceable food, and the value of shellfish industries to the state. Consider, lastly, the expense to the state in guarding these resources and in hatcheries to correct the failure of the waters. Not onlv may the people be denied the recreational advantages of clean waters, and the return from industries dependent on them, but they must bear the extra burden of obtaining suitable water for their vital necessities. Considering the mnagnitude of its trust, the state can afford to conserve its interests in the quality of water by using it to her greatest advantage. ==w