Definitions
The definition of runoff
What is water from rain, melted snow or irrigation that runs through the soil and ground?
This results in fertilizer being carried away into bodies of water
What is the overuse of organic and chemical fertilizers?
This prevents water from absorbing into the ground
What is the abundance of roads, buildings, parking lots and other impervious areas?
This affects entire aquatic ecosystems
What is the death of several aquatic organisms?
This prevents you from wasting fertilizer
What is applying only the necessary amount of fertilizer?
The definition of storm water
What is the water that originates from precipitation and the melting of snow/ice?
This wears away to the top layer of soil on a field
What is soil erosion?
This pollutes the stormwater as it travels along roads and sidewalks
What is the presence of dirt and dust on public paved surfaces?
This is due to algal blooms
What are low levels of dissolved oxygen in bodies of water?
This may be harder on your wallet when you visit Shoppers, Walmart, etc.
What is using phosphate free shampoo, cleaners and detergents?
The definition of irrigation
What is the supply of water to land, usually by channels?
This provides crops with water, usually by means of a channel
What is irrigation?
This originates from resident's lawns which gets washed away by stormwater
What is fertilizer used on lawns?
This is due to pollutants entering a water reservoir that is used for distribution of potable water
What is contaminated tap water?
This is something any dog owner should do
What is always picking up after your dog?
The definition of eutrophication
What is the abundance of nutrients in a body of water?
This allows livestock to interact with waterways, potentially adding even more nutrients into the water
What is over access to streams by livestock?
This is something many of you use at home that contains phosphates
What is the use of soaps, cleaners and detergents that contain phosphates?
This spreads toxic chemicals throughout a food web
What is bioaccumulation?
This can increase water absorption by the ground in urban areas
What is planting plants and trees in urban areas?
The definition of algal blooms
What is the rapid increase in algae population in a body of water?
This is the preparation of land for growing crops
What is tillage?
This comes from construction sites and factories
What is the debris and waste from factories and construction sites?
This affects the tourism industry as well as waterfront property value
What is discolored water due to algal blooms?
This increases drainage in areas where you need paved but is also prone to water buildup
What is using permeable materials to pave surfaces?