Water Pollution

Water Pollution Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. Water can become so polluted that it can no longer be used or can even be deadly.

Point Source Pollution A specific source of pollution that can be identified.

Point Source Factories releasing chemical waste directly into rivers Heat pollution factories releasing heated water back into lake or rivers Trash dumping directly into a water source.

Point-Source Pollution, continued Oil Spills If not handled properly, oil transports can cause oil spills.

Nonpoint-Source Pollution A widely spead source of pollution that can't be tied to a specific point of origin Most ocean pollution is nonpoint-source pollution and can be difficult to regulate and control.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Runoff Urban Agricultural Sewage Urban untreated Agricultural from septic tanks or farm waste Smoke and exhaust Cars and factories Leaking containers Stored containers under ground

Monitoring Water Quality A number of government programs monitor surface water and groundwater quality in North Carolina. Water-quality monitoring programs look for chemical and biological imbalances in a body of water. Detecting these imbalances can help scientists correct problems in the water supply.

EPA Environmental Protection Agency Responsible for developing water-quality standards. Responsible for monitoring and enforcing laws created by congress.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 Created a comprehensive set of water quality programs that also provided some financing for state and local governments. Enforcement was limited to interstate waters. The Public Health Service provided financial and technical assistance

The Water Quality Act of 1965 Required states to issue water quality standards for interstate waters. Authorized the newly created Federal Water Pollution Control Administration to set standards where states failed to do so.

The Clean Water Act (CWA)1972 Is the primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution Passed in 1972, The act established the goals of eliminating releases of high amounts of toxic substances into water Eliminating additional water pollution by 1985 Ensuring that surface waters would meet standards necessary for human sports and recreation by 1983.

The Clean Water Act (CWA)1972 The principal body of law in effect is based on the Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972. Was significantly expanded from the Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1948. Major amendments were enacted in the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the Water Quality Act of 1987.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)1974 Is the principal federal law in the United States intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public. Pursuant to the act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set standards for drinking water quality and oversee all states, localities, and water suppliers who implement these standards.

Where Water Comes From More than half of the people living in North Carolina depend on groundwater for their water supply. Groundwater in North Carolina is stored in aquifers that are located in the subsurface throughout the state.

Where the Water Goes Water in Agriculture Most of the water that is lost during farming is lost through evaporation and runoff. Water in Industry About 19% of water used in the world is used for industrial purposes, such as manufacturing goods.

Where the Water Goes, continued Conserving Water at Home You can help conserve water by taking shorter showers and by turning the water off while brushing your teeth. This graph shows how water is used in the home.