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Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

08/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2026 07:19

Bowman Perspectives: The Case for Long-Term Water Quality Planning – A Q&A with James Lem

Water quality challenges are rarely solved with a single treatment or quick fix. Lasting solutions depend on understanding the conditions driving those challenges and planning for how water systems will perform over time. Whether managing water reuse, meeting regulatory requirements or addressing common water quality issues, decisions made early can have long-term impacts.

In this Q&A, James Lem, environmental scientist at Bowman, shares his perspective on the importance of long-term water quality planning. He discusses common misconceptions, the value of addressing issues at their source and why thoughtful planning can help communities and water managers build more effective, sustainable water systems.

Q: When people think about water quality, what parts of the system do they tend to overlook?

A: People tend to think about water quality most when there's a problem. We're always looking for that magic bullet that will fix the issue, and water quality is no different. Unfortunately, solutions to water quality problems are often highly localized and focused on the immediate symptom rather than the underlying cause.

For example, a group managing a lake full of algae may focus on eliminating the algae without addressing the underlying nutrient buildup that allows it to grow. There are products that will kill the algae, and the lake may look great after treatment that first year. But if the conditions that supported the algae growth haven't changed, the problem will return and may be even worse the following year.

These "band-aid" fixes can compound over time, and waterbody managers may find that a solution that worked well in year one is no longer effective by year 10. Long-term success depends on looking beyond short-term fixes. Proper water quality management, like many other disciplines, requires a multifaceted, long-term approach, but because some tools can produce impressive short-term results at a lower initial cost, that broader approach is often overlooked.

Q: What makes water reuse a planning and infrastructure challenge, not just a treatment challenge?

A: Water reuse systems are a great solution, but they require more than treatment to be successful. Without the right infrastructure to maintain water movement and manage inputs and outputs, water quality can quickly degrade. While treatment is possible, it can become expensive and less reliable at scale.

For example, we work with irrigation districts where farmers discharge water into return ditches that are recirculated through canals for reuse. Over time, runoff degrades water quality, leading to vegetative growth and sediment buildup that reduce flow and affect the district's ability to deliver water to customers.

Where I practice in California, we place a strong emphasis on water conservation, and water reuse systems are designed with the best intentions. But some water quality challenges only become apparent once those systems are in operation. That's why planning for water quality and the supporting infrastructure from the beginning can help reduce treatment needs and improve long-term performance.

Q: What's a water quality challenge clients don't expect to have?

A: Many people expect the biggest water quality challenges to involve contaminants like pesticides or microplastics, but the issue I encounter most often is sediment. Most people don't think of dirt as a pollutant because it's a natural part of the environment.

That's why it often comes as a surprise when I have to tell clients they have too much sediment running off their site. Total suspended solids is a required analyte under California's Industrial Stormwater Program, regardless of the type of industrial facility. Even companies that manufacture products like fabricated metal can run into compliance issues because of the amount of sediment leaving their property.

Q: What advice would you give communities looking to strengthen the resilience of their water systems?

A: Water has carved valleys, sustained life and shaped our world, yet we often try to bend it to our will. The more we alter natural water systems, the more effort it takes to manage them. An artificial lagoon with a single inlet and limited discharge, for example, will require far more maintenance than a natural creek.

The reality is that many waterbodies now require active management. My biggest piece of advice is to keep water moving whenever possible. Stagnant water creates conditions for vector issues, harmful algal blooms and excessive vegetation growth. Flowing water still presents challenges, but they tend to be far more manageable than those associated with stagnant water.

About James Lem

James Lem is an environmental scientist with expertise in water quality monitoring, regulatory compliance and environmental permitting. His background includes surface water sampling and analysis, stormwater compliance and regulatory programs focused on protecting water resources. He supports agricultural irrigation, water storage, drinking water and flood control clients in navigating California's complex environmental requirements.

At Bowman, James applies his technical and regulatory experience to help clients understand water quality conditions, meet permitting and compliance requirements and manage water resources effectively. His work brings together field-based science, regulatory knowledge and practical implementation to support water quality management across interconnected water systems.

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. published this content on August 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 26, 2026 at 13:19 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]