water use and pollution vocab

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What is biological pollution?

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Biological pollution occurs when pathogens make their way into our air, soil, and water, leading to contamination and health risks.

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What is surface water?

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Surface water refers to water found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and any other place above ground.

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What is nonpoint-source pollution?

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Nonpoint-source pollution comes from many places spread over a large area, making it difficult to identify a single source.

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What does impermeable mean?

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Impermeable describes materials that contain few or no pores, preventing water from passing through.

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What is an aquifer?

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An aquifer is a sponge-like formation of rock, sand, or gravel that holds water and can supply it to wells and springs.

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What is point-source pollution?

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Point-source pollution refers to contaminants that enter the environment from a single, identifiable source.

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What is thermal pollution?

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Thermal pollution occurs when water bodies are heated by industrial processes, affecting aquatic life.

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What is sediment pollution?

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Sediment pollution involves the accumulation of soil, sand, and minerals in water bodies, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

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What is a watershed?

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A watershed is an area of land that drains rainwater and snowmelt into a common water body, such as a river or lake.

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What is wastewater?

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Wastewater is used water that comes from homes, industries, and storm runoff, often requiring treatment before being released back into the environment.