Water Resources and Water Pollution

WATER RESOURCES
AND
WATER POLLUTION
WATER
It is the most abundant natural resource on the
planet, the source of countless ecosystem
services, and critical to industrial, agricultural,
household, and recreational activities.
WATER RESOURCES
Any of the natural waters that occur on Earth, regardless of their state
(vapor, liquid, or solid), and that have the potential to be used by
humans. The waters of the oceans, rivers, and lakes are the most
readily available; other available water resources include groundwater
and deep subterranean waters, as well as glaciers and permanent
snowfields.
SOME TYPES OF WATER
RESOURCES
Ground
Water
Groundwater is water that exists
underground in saturated zones beneath
the land surface. The upper surface of the
saturated zone is called the water table.
Contrary to popular belief, groundwater
does not form underground rivers.
OCEAN
Ocean is a continuous body of salt water
that is contained in an enormous basin
on Earth's surface. The major oceans
and their marginal seas cover nearly 71
percent of Earth's surface.
RIVER
A wide, natural stream of fresh water that
flows into an ocean or other large body of
water and is usually fed by smaller streams,
called tributaries, that enter it along its course.
LAKE
Lake is an inland body of water
surrounded by land. It is larger than a
pool or pond. The name, however, is
sometimes given to the widened parts
of rivers and to bodies of water that are
in direct connection with the sea.
SWAMP
A swamp is an are of land permanently
satruated or filled with water. Many
swamps are even covered by water.
There are two main types of swamps:
Freshwater swamps and Saltwater
swamps .
IMPORTANCE OF WATER RESOURCES TO
HUMAN
SOURCE WATER REFERS TO BODIES OF WATER (SUCH AS

RIVERS, STREAMS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS, SPRINGS, AND
GROUND WATER) THAT PROVIDE WATER TO PUBLIC DRINKING-
WATER SUPPLIES AND PRIVATE WELLS. WATER SOURCES CAN
INCLUDE: SURFACE WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, A LAKE, RIVER, OR
RESERVOIR) GROUND WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, AN AQUIFER)
IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN AGRICULTURE
WATER FOR AGRICULTURE IS A VITAL RESOURCE IN AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTION, COVERING A NUMBER OF KEY AREAS SUCH AS
IRRIGATION, LIVESTOCK WATERING, FARM MANAGEMENT, EQUIPMENT
CLEANING, AND PRODUCE PRESERVATION. THIS DIVERSITY OF USES IS
ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND PRODUCTION OF CROPS AND
LIVESTOCK.
IMPORTANCE OF WATER RESOURCES IN INDUSTRY
INDUSTRIAL WATER IS USED FOR FABRICATING, PROCESSING,

WASHING, DILUTING, COOLING, OR TRANSPORTING A PRODUCT.
WATER IS ALSO USED BY SMELTING FACILITIES, PETROLEUM
REFINERIES, AND INDUSTRIES PRODUCING CHEMICAL PRODUCTS,
FOOD, AND PAPER PRODUCTS. LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER ARE
USED MOSTLY TO PRODUCE FOOD, PAPER, AND CHEMICALS.
IMPORTANCE OF WATER
RESOURCES IN ECOSYSTEM
WATER IS ONE THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF ANY

ECOSYSTEM. ALL LIVING ORGANISMS NEED WATER TO GROW AND
SURVIVE. IN AN ECOSYSTEM, WATER CYCLES THROUGH THE
ATMOSPHERE, SOIL, RIVERS, LAKES, AND OCEANS. SOME WATER IS
STORED DEEP IN THE EARTH. WATER PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN
ECOSYSTEMS BY PROVIDING WATER SUPPLY FOR PLANTS AND
ANIMALS, TRANSPORTING ENERGY, NUTRIENTS, AND
CONTAMINANTS, AND MEDIATING ALL TRANSACTIONS IN AQUATIC
AND SNOW ECOSYSTEMS
HOW CAN HUMAN ACTIVITIES AFFECT WATER
RESOURCES
OUR WATER RESOURCES FACE A HOST OF SERIOUS THREATS,

ALL OF WHICH ARE CAUSED PRIMARILY BY HUMAN
ACTIVITY. THEY INCLUDE SEDIMENTATION, POLLUTION,
CLIMATE CHANGE, DEFORESTATION, LANDSCAPE CHANGES,
AND URBAN GROWTH.
HOW TO PROTECT OUR WATER RESOURCES
MINIMIZE THE USE OF PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, FERTILIZERS.

DO NOT DISPOSE OF THESE CHEMICALS, MOTOR OIL, OR
OTHER AUTOMOTIVE FLUIDS INTO THE SANITARY SEWER OR
STORM SEWER SYSTEMS. BOTH OF THEM END AT THE RIVER.
IF YOUR HOME HAS A SUMP PUMP OR CELLAR DRAIN, MAKE
CERTAIN IT DOES NOT DRAIN INTO THE SANITARY SEWER
SYSTEM.
WATER POLLUTION
It occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or
microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean,
aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and
rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
SOME TYPES OF WATER
POLLUTANTS
1. POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
It is the term used to describe contamination that originates from a

single, recognizable source. These sources typically discharge
pollutants directly into water bodies through pipes, drains, or
ditches.
2. NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Non-point source pollution is the opposite of point source

pollution, as it comes from diffuse and untraceable sources. It
arises from factors like runoff from agricultural fields, urban
areas, and construction sites.
3. CHEMICAL POLLUTION
Various factors, such as industrial processes, household products, and
agricultural practices, can contribute to the chemical pollution of water
bodies. Industrial discharges often contain heavy metals such as
mercury, lead, and cadmium, as well as toxic organic compounds like
PCBs and dioxins. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in
agriculture can also find their way into water bodies, contaminating
them with harmful chemicals.
4. OIL POLLUTION
Oil pollution is a significant form of water contamination that has
catastrophic effects on aquatic ecosystems. It typically occurs because
of oil spills from tanker accidents or deliberate discharges from ships.
When oil spills into bodies of water, it forms a slick on the surface that
can cover large areas and coat vegetation, wildlife, and shorelines.
5. PLASTIC POLLUTION
Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern in
recent years. Plastics, especially single-use items like bottles, bags,
and packaging materials, find their way into water bodies through
improper disposal and inadequate waste management. Plastics do not
readily degrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds of
years.
EFFECTS OF WATER
POLLUTION
ON HUMAN HEALTH
• Waterborne diseases caused by pathogens in contaminated water
sources, leading to illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and
hepatitis.
• Exposure to chemical pollutants in water can cause acute and chronic

health problems, including neurological disorders, cancer, and
reproductive issues.
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
• Habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity due to pollutants such as

heavy metals, sedimentation, and nutrient runoff.
• Algal blooms and oxygen depletion resulting from nutrient pollution,

leading to fish kills, ecosystem degradation, and loss of aquatic
habitats.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
• Costs of Pollution Cleanup: Governments, industries, and communities bear the
financial burden of cleaning up polluted water bodies, treating contaminated water
supplies, and implementing pollution control measures, leading to economic losses
and increased expenses.
• Loss of Ecosystem Services: Water pollution can impair the natural functions and
services provided by aquatic ecosystems, such as water purification, flood control,
nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities, resulting in economic losses and
reduced societal well-being.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES
• Disproportionate Impacts: Water pollution often disproportionately affects

marginalized communities lacking access to clean water resources and adequate
sanitation facilities, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and environmental
injustices.
• Cultural and Indigenous Impacts: Indigenous peoples and local communities with
traditional ties to water resources may experience cultural disruption, loss of
traditional knowledge, and infringement of their rights due to water pollution and
resource degradation.
SOLUTIONS AND
PREVENTION MEASURE
PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL
Dispose of household waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials

responsibly. Follow local waste disposal and recycling
regulations, and avoid pouring harmful substances down drains
Presentations are Presentations are Presentations are
or toilets. When possible, use biodegradable and environmentally
communication tools that communication tools that communication tools that
friendly alternatives. can be demonstrations.
can be demonstrations. can be demonstrations.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and

pollution prevention. Educate communities, schools, and
individuals about the consequences of water pollution and the
actions they can take to mitigate it.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Encourage sustainable agricultural practices to minimize nutrient

and pesticide runoff. Implement precision farming techniques,
such as soil testing and targeted fertilizer application, to reduce
excess nutrient discharges. Establish buffer zones and riparian
vegetation along water bodies to filter and absorb runoff.
INDUSTRIAL BEST PRACTICES
Industries should adopt best practices to minimize their impact

on water quality. Implement advanced wastewater treatment
technologies to remove pollutants before discharging effluents.
Promote recycling and reuse of water within industrial processes
to reduce overall water consumption and wastewater generation.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Promote green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens,

bioswales, and constructed wetlands. These nature-based systems
help filter and absorb pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, and
enhance water quality.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Water Resources and Water Pollution

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WATER RESOURCES

SOURCE WATER REFERS TO BODIES OF WATER (SUCH AS

WATER FOR AGRICULTURE IS A VITAL RESOURCE IN AGRICULTURAL

INDUSTRIAL WATER IS USED FOR FABRICATING, PROCESSING,

WATER IS ONE THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF ANY

OUR WATER RESOURCES FACE A HOST OF SERIOUS THREATS,

MINIMIZE THE USE OF PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, FERTILIZERS.

It is the term used to describe contamination that originates from a

Non-point source pollution is the opposite of point source

• Exposure to chemical pollutants in water can cause acute and chronic

• Habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity due to pollutants such as

• Algal blooms and oxygen depletion resulting from nutrient pollution,

• Disproportionate Impacts: Water pollution often disproportionately affects

Dispose of household waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials

Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and

Encourage sustainable agricultural practices to minimize nutrient

Industries should adopt best practices to minimize their impact

Promote green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens,

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