These companies, and some unions that see the rules as a potential economic catalyst, say that the industry has had years to prepare for tougher regulation and that the rules will generate jobs for workers who make, install or operate pollution control equipment.

WSJ: EPA Tangles With New Critic: Labor

Another recent innovation could also help: watershed management, which means managing water supplies across political or management borders can better control pollution and track water withdrawals.

FORBES: Spending Cuts Threaten U.S. Water Infrastructure