Factors Affecting Groundwater
What is the term describes water stored underground in soil and rock?
Groundwater
This is the process that removes dirt, germs, and chemicals from drinking water.
water treatment
Water that has been used in homes, schools, and industries.
wastewater
All water in a watershed drains to this.
a common water body (lake, river, or stream)
This chemical is added during treatment to kill bacteria and viruses.
Chlorine
This is the upper level where the ground becomes fully saturated with water.
the water table
Why do we treat water before drinking it?
To remove pollutants, contaminants, and harmful things from the water. Otherwise, people can become extremely ill or even die.
Rain or melting snow that flows over land and into drains.
stormwater
This type of water causes pollution because it picks up oil, litter, fertilizer, and chemicals as it moves across surfaces.
Stormwater
Water _______ the soil and moves down until it is stored in underground ________.
infiltrates
aquifers
Why must we only remove as much groundwater as is naturally replaced?
We want to prevent wells from drying up and protect long‑term water supply
Bacteria and viruses are this type of pollutant.
biological pollutants
Stormwater causes _______ because it does this as it moves across surfaces ....
Pollution
picking up chemicals, litter, oil, fertilizers, and other pollutants like a liquid vaccum
We treat wastewater to protect these two things.
human health and the environment
Cutting down trees increases runoff and this type of soil movement.
Erosion, which eventually leads to sediment pollution
This natural event can shake the ground and change groundwater flow patterns.
earthquake
Salt, metals, and pesticides are examples of this pollutant category.
chemical pollutants
Name one rural wastewater treatment method.
septic tank or drain field
Why must we protect our watershed?
Protecting our watershed matters because everything we do on the land eventually affects the water we drink, the ecosystems we depend on, and the communities we live in.
Why do they add fluoride to drinking water?
It helps to prevent tooth decay, especially in children. This helps reduce dental costs and improve public health.
A human activity such as overuse of water or farming can reduce this important water supply.
Groundwater
Sediments, plant debris, and animal waste are this type of pollutant.
physical pollutants
What is water Diversion or Export?
Water is taken out of a water source and taken to another watershed or country, without being returned to its original source; this can deplete the water source For example - bottled water
Name 3 ways to protect our watershed
*Reduce pollution at the source *Use less fertilizer and pesticides *Pick up litter and pet waste *Plant trees and protect forests *Keep storm drains clear *Choose eco‑friendly household products *Prevent soil erosion *Use water wisely
This is the main reason stormwater is not treated like wastewater.
It would be too costly. It arrives too quickly and in too large amounts during storms.