Human Effects on Water

Human Impact on Water

SC.7.E.6.6 Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, and changing the flow of water.

Water as a Resource

• Most water in the US. is used by power plants.

• Generate Electricity and cool equipment

Changing Flow of Water

• Streams are dammed to create reservoirs that store water.

• Used for drinking water, irrigation, hydroelectric power.

• Increase rate of erosion, geological barrier for migratory fish, and some dams causes rivers to dry up before reaching the ocean

Multiple Choice

Water moves from the Earth to the Atmosphere by a process called the

• Rock Cycle

• Rain

• Water Cycle

• Evaporation

Point-Source Pollution

• Pollution from a single identified source

• Oil Spills

• Runoff from mines

Open Ended

What are some examples of Point-Source Pollution?

Nonpoint-Source Pollution

• Pollution from a widespread area that can not be traced back to a single source

• Most of the water pollution in the US comes from nonpoint source pollution.

Positive Actions

• National Initiatives

• The United states passed laws to protect water quality

• The Clean water Act

• The safe drinking Water Act

Multiple Choice

What law regulates water pollution, including sewage systems?

• Pollution Control Act

• The Clean Water Act

• Safe Drinking Water Act

• Alkalinity is a measure of the buffering capacity of water against changes in pH. It indicates the water's capacity to resist changes in acidity caused by the addition of acids.

​Some Common alkaline compounds in water include bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides.

Alkaline

• ​Changes in alkalinity levels can indicate pollution or contamination in water bodies.

Turbidity refers to the optical property of water that causes light to be scattered and absorbed rather than transmitted in straight lines through the water. It is an indicator of the presence of suspended particles and colloidal matter in water.

• an essential aspect of water quality assessment as it provides information about the presence of suspended particles, sediment, and organic matter in water.

​Turbidity

However, elevated nitrate levels can lead to eutrophication, a process characterized by excessive algal growth and oxygen depletion in water bodies.

Nitrates (NO3-) are essential nutrients for plant growth and are naturally present in soil, air, and water.
Sources of nitrates in water bodies include:

• Agricultural runoff

• Animal Waste

• Water Discharge

• Atmospheric Deposition

Nitrates are essential nutrients for aquatic plants and algae, supporting primary productivity and food webs in aquatic ecosystems.

Nitrates

How Can you Help?

Reduce use of harmful chemicals

Dispose of Waste Safely

Conserve Water

Multiple Choice

Which household product can you replace with less-toxic substances?

• Cleanser

• Baking Soda

• White vinegar

Multiple Choice

Construction site runoff is a __________water pollutant

• Point-Source

• Nonpoint-Source

Multiple Choice

Runoff from mines is a ____________water pollution.

• Point-Source

• Nonpoint-Source

Multiple Choice

Urban and agricultural runoff are_____________ water pollutants

• Point-Source

• Nonpoint-Source

Multiple Choice

A tanker that runs aground causing oil to leak into the ocean is a ___________water pollutant.

• Point-Source

• Nonpoint-Source