Water Resource Plan

The water source issue I chose was water pollution. I think this is an issue that has been a major problem for a long time. Water pollution is any chemical, physical or biological change in the quality of water that has a harmful effect on any living thing that drinks or uses or lives in it (LENNTECH). Many pollutants that have made their way into the earth's water include oil, garbage, sewage, debris, fertilizers, and chemicals. The different sources of water pollution are; industry, agriculture, and homes. Human waste has become the biggest contributor to the water pollution epidemic.

Over the years, humans have consistently thrown waste into oceans, lakes, and rivers. They often do not see it as a big deal or view as something that happens all the time and is natural. It is this type of thinking that makes this problem an ongoing one. Water pollution is something that has to be taken more seriously and needs to be properly addressed. In order to properly address this situation, one must be fully aware of the danger it presents to both humans and animals.

Virtually all types of water pollution are harmful to the health of humans and animals. Water pollution may not damage our health immediately but can be harmful after long term exposure. Different forms of pollutants affect the health of animals in different ways:

* Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers. These are toxic to marine life such as fish and shellfish, and subsequently to the humans who eat them. Heavy metals can slow development; result in birth defects and some are carcinogenic.

* Industrial waste often contains many toxic compounds that damage the health of aquatic animals and those who eat them. Some of the toxins in industrial waste may only have a mild effect whereas other can be fatal. They can cause immune suppression, reproductive failure or acute poisoning.

* Microbial pollutants from sewage often result in infectious diseases that infect aquatic life and terrestrial life through drinking water. Microbial water pollution is a major problem in the developing world, with diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever being the primary cause of infant mortality.

* Organic matter and nutrients causes an increase in aerobic algae and depletes oxygen from the water column. This causes the suffocation of fish and other aquatic organisms.

* Sulfate particles from acid rain can cause harm the health of marine life in the rivers and lakes it contaminates, and can result in mortality (Water pollution guide, The Guides Network 2003-2008).

Another problem that results in water pollution is animal waste. Unattended animal waste can be collected through sewer drains and other forms of run-off when it rains or it snows (Department of Environmental Protection). To assist in the prevention of water pollution, some cities have imposed strict city ordinances making all animal owners responsible for the collection of animal waste and discarding it