Water pollution is a big problem these days and this is a pamphlet all about it to answer all of your questions!

 

What is water pollution?



Water pollution is when waste products or other substances change the characteristics of a water source. It effects living species and reduces the waters benefits. Some consequences of water pollution are that bacteria produce and form a layer of slime on fish and plants. This results in decreased oxygen and increased disease.

It also lowers reproduction rates, so fish are less healthy and have increased stress. Some sources of water pollution are farmers, fishermen, transportation, industries, pleasure boaters and recreation.









What are nitrates and how does it affect me?



Nitrates are natural chemicals present in all ecosystems. It is one of the chemicals essential to plant life, but too much can be a problem to plants and animals. Nitrates affect humans because it runs through the soil and into peoples’ wells and when people drink the water it can make them sick. The safe level of nitrates in drinking water 10mg/l. If you found nitrates in your water supply, you should provide alternative drinking water supplies. You can prevent nitrates from entering your water supply by reducing the amount of fertilizer being applied to the field, fence water courses and fence livestock.                                                         



What YOU can do to Prevent Water Pollution!



Some actions that can be taken to prevent water from becoming polluted by properly disposing of or recycling pollutants before they can contaminate water or air even more.