Effects of Human Activities on Water Quality

Based on the image showing industrial discharge into a lake ecosystem, analyze how this human activity could affect water quality in this watershed.

• The mountain elevation will prevent contaminants from spreading through the watershed.

• The visible grass around the discharge point will filter out all pollutants.

• The contaminated discharge will mix with both surface water and potentially infiltrate into groundwater.

• The lake's large volume will immediately dilute and neutralize all contaminants.

What is one potential effect of industrial discharge on a lake ecosystem?

• It increases the oxygen levels in the water.

• It can lead to the contamination of both surface and groundwater.

• It helps in the growth of aquatic plants.

• It reduces the water temperature.

Fill in the blank: Industrial discharge into a lake can lead to _______ of the water, affecting both aquatic life and human health.

• purification

• contamination

• evaporation

• cooling

Which of the following is a likely consequence of chemical disposal upstream from a lake?

• Improved water quality

• Neutralization of pollutants

• Spread of contaminants

• Increase in fish population

Fill in the blank: The disposal of cleaning chemicals in a watershed can result in _______ of the water supply.

• enhancement

• contamination

• filtration

• evaporation

Which irrigation method is being debated by farmers in a valley?

• Traditional irrigation

• Drip irrigation

• Flood irrigation

• Sprinkler irrigation

Select TWO effects to surface and groundwater quality and availability if farmers switch to drip irrigation systems.

• Decreased groundwater depletion rates

• Increased soil erosion

• Reduced surface water runoff

• Higher rates of water evaporation

• Increased groundwater salinity

A dairy farm with 200 cows produces about 4,000 gallons of animal waste per day. What is the most direct effect of this waste on water quality?

• Compaction of soil

• Increased rainwater runoff

• Harmful materials seeping into soil

• Reduced natural filtration

Fill in the blank: The clearing of natural vegetation for grazing areas reduces the land's ability to ______ water naturally.

• filter

• absorb

• evaporate

• store

Which human activity at the dairy farm most directly affects both the groundwater and surface water quality in this watershed?

• The repeated movement of heavy farm equipment

• The construction of new barns and feeding areas

• The storage and disposal of animal waste in open areas

• The clearing of natural vegetation for grazing areas.