Singapore's hawker centres started partly for hygiene reasons, and to keep our water pollution in control.

BBC: Why are there hawker centres in Singapore?

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

Northumbrian Water said it was confident the steps would improve the bathing water, but added there were sources of pollution beyond its control.

BBC: Northumbrian Water to put ?6m into Saltburn water works

Its Ohio River basin water-quality trading project will allow those facing high pollution-control costs to buy reduction credits from those whose costs are lower.

ECONOMIST: Nutrient pollution

Fab 15 will be TSMC's next "green fab" following Fab 12 and Fab 14, incorporating green concepts in energy conservation and pollution control in its design, including a process water conservation rate of 85%, reclamation of rainwater, recirculation and reuse of general exhaust heat, and development of solar power generation and LED lighting applications.

ENGADGET: TSMC begins construction of new $9.3b foundry, wants to sate our constant hunger for chips