Where does your water come from?

How is your water treated? Wells: chlorine to kill any disease-causing organisms and fluoride is added for cavity protection. Reservoirs: water is screened and filtered prior to the addition of chlorine and fluoride. Water pH is adjusted.

Substances expected to be in drinking water Microbiological contaminants (viruses and bacteria) Inorganic contaminants (salts and metals) Pesticides and herbicides Organic chemical contaminants (by- products of industrial processes) Radioactive materials (naturally occurring)

Water Conservation Tip Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. Heed conservation alerts when they are issued

Protecting Our Water Agriculture The US has more than 330 million acres of agricultural land Recent national Water Quality Inventory showed polluted run-off is leading cause of water pollution Sedimentation: soil particles washing to and being dumped into water sources Animal waste: brings bacteria and viruses

Chemicals in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers Chemicals can kill fish and wildlife, poison food sources, and destroy habitat Eutrophication: algae build-up caused by incorrect used of animal waste as fertilizer; depletes oxygen levels in the water Good soil conservation practices, good waste management system, and limiting use of chemicals can help to reduce water pollution

Careers Producer Extension Agent Agricultural Scientist Aquatic Ecologist Engineer