Answers:
True.
Most surface water interacts with underground water source. Thus, if
groundwater is contaminated, connecting springs, streams, and lakes
may suffer the consequences as well. - False. Although the soil does filter out many contaminants, it does not protect the groundwater entirely.
- True. Groundwater moves very slowly through the aquifers at a rate of only inches per day. Some contaminants which reach the groundwater break down slowly or not at all, and move slowly with the water. Therefore, groundwater may contain these contaminants for many years.
- False. Although business and industry contribute to the problems in the water, municipal, agricultural, and household sources of contamination must be recognized.
- False. Individuals can alter their lifestyles in some ways to reduce their impact on water use and quality (recycling solid waste, water conservation). The government at all levels has a major responsibility to protect our water supply but it is up to individuals to help solve the problems.
- False. Many pollutants are odorless, tasteless, and colorless. If any are present, even boiling might not remove them. Testing by a laboratory is the best assurance of quality. State and federal laws require the testing of public water supplies, but testing of private well is up to the homeowner. If your family uses a private well as a source of household water, find out when the most recent test was performed and what the results indicated.
- True. When many animals are concentrated in an area, such as a livestock yard, animal wastes can be a problem if not properly managed.
- True. In theory, we can always treat our water to make it drinkable. However, in reality there is a point reached where it can no longer be feasible or affordable to purify our water. Prevention of contamination though careful land use and education the public can protect us form costly treatment.
- False. Lawn fertilizer may increase the nitrate level in groundwater and rain washes nitrates into the soil.
- False. Rural areas can have problems of pesticide, fertilizer, and petroleum contamination, as well as problems of water shortages.
Discuss these answers thoroughly with your class.
Pollution