Into the Dead Zone: Urban Runoff and Sustainable Solutions

The video explores water pollution in urban areas, focusing on dead zones and the disruption of the natural water cycle by cities. It highlights the role of riverkeepers and the challenges they face, particularly with stormwater and outdated sewer systems. The video also discusses engineering solutions to urban water pollution and emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in environmental conservation.

What is a dead zone in the context of water bodies?

• A place with excessive rainfall

• A zone with high levels of plant growth

• A region with no oxygen where marine life cannot survive

• An area with abundant marine life

How do impervious surfaces in cities affect the water cycle?

• They enhance the natural filtration of water

• They prevent water from being absorbed, leading to runoff

• They have no impact on the water cycle

• They increase water absorption into the soil

What is the primary role of a riverkeeper?

• To build dams and reservoirs

• To promote fishing activities

• To enforce the Clean Water Act

• To monitor weather patterns

What is a significant problem faced by the Anacostia River?

• High levels of urban runoff pollution

• Lack of water flow

• Excessive fish population

• Too many recreational activities

What is a combined sewer overflow?

• A method to treat water before it enters rivers

• A system where stormwater and sewage are combined, leading to overflow during rain

• A system that separates stormwater and sewage

• A type of water filtration system

Why is it important to avoid contact with water during a combined sewer overflow?

• It is too shallow

• It contains untreated sewage

• It is extremely cold

• It is too hot

What is the purpose of the massive construction project in DC?

• To create new parks

• To capture and treat stormwater and sewage before it reaches rivers

• To increase the city's water supply

• To build new roads

How much overflow is the new DC system expected to handle annually?

• 10 billion gallons

• 5 billion gallons

• 1 billion gallons

• 2.5 billion gallons

What is the expected reduction in urban runoff and sewer overflow in DC by 2025?

• 100%

• 98%

• 75%

• 50%

What is a key strategy for cities to manage stormwater naturally?

• Reducing public transportation

• Increasing industrial activities

• Implementing green infrastructure like rain gardens

• Building more roads