Water Foundations
Classify the following as Freshwater or Saltwater: Rivers, Oceans, Lakes, Groundwater.
Freshwater: Rivers, Lakes, Groundwater.
Saltwater: Oceans.
Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory discharge pipe, is called ________ pollution.
point source
The Clean Water Act (CWA) was enacted in this year to restore the integrity of the nation's waters.
1972
Wetlands are often called "natural sponges" because they absorb excess water to prevent ________.
flooding
Approximately 95% of the water pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer is used for __________, supporting one-fifth of the U.S. wheat, corn, and cattle harvest.
This term describes an area of land where all water drains into a common outlet, such as a river or lake.
Watershed
This type of pollution comes from diffuse sources like urban streets or farm fields and is hard to trace to a single origin.
nonpoint source
The primary goal of the Clean Water Act is to regulate the discharge of ________ into U.S. waters.
pollutants
Wetlands are also called "nature's kidneys" because plants and soil filter out ________ and sediments.
pollutants/toxins
The Ogallala is being depleted because the rate of extraction (pumping out) is much faster than the rate of __________ from rainfall.
recharge
Freshwater is a "limiting factor," meaning ecosystems with abundant, clean freshwater tend to have higher ________
biodiversity
Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers (nitrogen & phosphorus) often triggers this rapid growth event, which depletes oxygen in the water.
algal bloom or eutrophication
Unlike the CWA, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) specifically sets standards for water intended for ________.
Planting vegetation along a stream bank helps filter runoff and prevents this physical process that wears away the land.
erosion
In April 2014, the city of Flint switched its water supply from the Detroit system to the __________ to save money, but failed to treat the corrosive water with anti-corrosion agents.
Flint River
Urban development increases this type of surface (like concrete), which prevents water from soaking into the ground and increases runoff.
Impervious Surfaces
Name one specific strategy a community can use to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Rain gardens, vegetation buffers, reducing fertilizer use, or permeable pavement.
Which Act protects the river ecosystem (fishable/swimmable)?
CWA
Water that soaks into the ground and is stored in underground rock formations called aquifers is known as ________.
groundwater
Because the river water was corrosive, it caused __________, a potent neurotoxin, to leach from old pipes into the drinking water supply, poisoning thousands of children.
lead
While natural erosion causes some sediment, human activities like ____________ sites and agricultural tilling are major contributors that vastly accelerate this process.
mining, construction, or deforestation
Excessive sediment harms aquatic life by increasing turbidity (cloudiness), which blocks sunlight for plants, and by physically ____________ the gills of fish and smothering their eggs.
clogging/blocking
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause disease in their hosts and can be spread through contaminated water or air.
pathogens
This category includes both non-native organisms that outcompete local wildlife.
Invasive
In this facility, "influent" is transformed into "effluent" by passing through physical screens, primary settling tanks, and aeration basins where bacteria consume organic waste.
Waste Water Treatment Plant