Water QualityM

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Importance of Clean Water

Health

Environment

Recreation

Natural beauty

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Water Pollution

Types of Pollution Chemicals Bacteria Sediment Nutrients

Sources of Pollution Industry Individuals

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Surface Water vs Ground Water

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Photo credit: © American Ground Water Trust

How do Contaminants Get Into the Water?

1. Directly

2. Runoff

3. Wind

4. Leaching

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What’s Polluting Our Water?

1. Bacteria

2. Sediment

3. Nutrients

4. Chemicals

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1. Bacteria

Sources: Human waste Manure, pet & wildlife deposits

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Bacteria: Health Effects

Stomach cramps

Diarrhea

Kidney failure

Death (in rare cases)

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Bacteria: Solutions

1. Proper septic system installation

2. Proper septic system maintenance Regular inspections Regular pump-outs Reduce input Protect filter bed Improve system when increasing load

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Bacteria: Solutions

3. Pick up after pets

4. Don’t feed the waterfowl

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Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

2. Sediment

Sources:

Dirt roads & paths

Gardens & farm fields

Imported beach sand

Construction

Increased by:

Removing plants

Adding hard surfaces

Altering the natural

watercourse

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Sediment: Impacts

Adds chemicals

Adds nutrients

Clouds the water

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Sediment: Impacts

Poor swimming

Navigation problems

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Sediment: Solutions

1. Maximize vegetation

2. Cover exposed soil

3. Minimize hard surfaces

4. Avoid altering water courses & shorelines

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3. Nutrients

Sources:

Fertilizers

Detergents & cleaners

Septic system leachate

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Photo credit: Washington State Department of Ecology

Nutrients: ImpactsM

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Nutrients: Solutions

1. Use low phosphate detergents and cleaners

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Nutrients: Solutions

2. Avoid the use of fertilizers

3. Maintain your septic system

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4. Chemicals

Sources: Household cleaners Paints & solvents Gas, oil, antifreeze, break fluid & grease

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Chemicals: Impacts

Poses health risks to us

Contaminates drinking water

Alters pH balance

Harmful to wildlife and aquatic life

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Chemicals: Solutions

1. Alternative cleaners Non-toxic

All ingredients disclosed

Plant-based

Phosphate & petroleum free

Biodegrade quickly

2. Vinegar, baking soda, borax

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Chemicals: Solutions

3. Dispose of hazardous waste properly

4. Maintain cars and boats

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Chemicals: Solutions

5. Fill up and repair away from the water

6. Clean-up spills properly & immediately

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Water TestingM

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Testing Your Drinking Water

Test for bacteria regularly

Test for other contaminants if you suspect a problem

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Interpreting Bacterial Test Results

Only water with a count of 0 Total Coliform and/or 0 E.coli is safe to drink

Sterilize contaminated water

Identify source of problem & fix it

Adopt preventative habits

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Testing Your Surface Water

Professional tests: Take samples and send to

a lab

Tests you can do yourself: Water clarity Temperature Dissolved oxygen Total phosphorus

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Photo credit: www.co.snohomish.wa.us/publicwk/swm/lakes

Case Study:“Watershed Watch”

Mississippi and Rideau Valley watersheds

Relies heavily on volunteer monitoring

Establishes baseline data

Will give an indication of lake health

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Every Little Bit Helps

Take action!

Encourage others

Learn more

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Courtesy of: Jennifer Brownlee

We Can Make a Difference…Together

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