I don’t disagree. The states were not doing the job and really could not be trusted. Further standards varied from state to state, if there were any standards at all. Couple this with a near complete lack of appreciation for the dangerous nature of many aspects of an electro mechanical industrial society and the stage was set for serious pollution problems. With much research and effort we fixed our problems. And I understand the method was unconstitutional. China has NO excuse. The leadership appears ready and willing to poison their population for a buck. Or whatever they call it. The fix is a bit costly but necessary correction to their industrial base to protect their country. Hope they do it before it is too late for their people.
I think we can do better with lots of low cost methods. I think a lot of sample collection and monitoring could be done by volunteers.
I know I love being outside enough that I’d be happy to get out and collect water samples downstream from a factory or whatever.