Natural water quality varies significantly. Image: B. Molnia Water-3-1
Water quality can be degraded by community and industrial waste discharge. Images: Bruce Molnia, D. Mueller Water-3-1
Water quality can be degraded by runoff containing fertilizer and pesticide chemicals from fields. Images: USDA, NRCS Water-3-2
Water quality can be degraded by erosion and sediment dispersal in streams. Images: NRCS, D. Mueller Water-3-4
Water quality can be degraded by bacteria from animal and people waste. Images: NRCS, USGS Water-3-5
Water can be degraded by inappropriate solid waste disposal as at this old metal mine. Image: Travis Hudson Water-3-6
Water quality can be degraded by accidents such as oil spills. Images of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: NPS, NOAA Water-3-7
Water quality needs to be protected. Images: USDA, NRCS Water-3-8