Point and Non-point pollution

8.E.1 Understand the hydrosphere and the impact of humans on local systems and the effects of the hydrosphere on humans.

8.E.1.4 Conclude that the good health of humans requires: – Monitoring of the hydrosphere Water quality standards Methods of water treatment Maintaining safe water quality Stewardship

8.E.1.3 Predict the safety and potability of water supplies in North Carolina based on physical and biological factors, including: Temperature Dissolved oxygen pH Nitrates and phosphates Turbidity Bio-indicators

Desired Outcomes To learn about factors affecting a watershed. To begin conversation about how to protect watersheds (urban stewardship).

Water

Water Pollution What do you think of when you hear these words?

Watershed A region or area that may contain several rivers, streams, or lakes that ultimately drain into a particular watercourse or body of water.

Waterbody Receives runoff from a watershed Lake, river, stream, ocean, pond, or basin

Everyone lives in a watershed Drain rainfall and melting snow to the nearest waterbody that lies at the lowest point in the watershed Can be small or large Are mostly interconnected Eventually drain into bays, gulfs, or oceans

Water cycle Water is cycled continuously through our environment Evaporates, is cycled back through precipitation

Water Pollution 2 types –A. Point Source- flows from pipes or comes from specific points Industrial plant Sewage treatment plant Storm drains

B. Non-point source pollution –Generally results from land runoff, drainage or seepage, after a rain event Fertilizers, pesticides Oils, grease Trash All from yards, fields, and roads to the nearest waterbody

Runoff Can contain pollution that may be damaging –Nutrients –Toxins –Bacteria –Soil –Can degrade our water quality

Water Quality Measures Temperature – lower temp = more dissolved oxygen = better quality for living things pH in the neutral range of 7 or near Nitrates – increase from waste; bad Bio-indicators – live in specific range of conditions – if present; good quality

Turbidity Creates a cloudy effect Plants don’t get enough sunlight Oxygen is depleted

Home activities that cause pollution Improper use and disposal of household chemicals, oils, cleaning solutions Excessive use of water Failure to maintain septic systems Abandoned wells Pet wastes

Best Management Practices Timber –Plant terrain heavily with vegetation –Cut timber selectively –Put temporary hay bales in place until vegetation grows

BMP - Farm Berm – prevents soil from entering the waterbody Wetland – filters out sediment – natural filtration system Contour plowing Conservation tilling Vegetative filter strips

Cover crops Use pesticides and fertilizers appropriately Rotate crops

BPM – driveways and highways Prevent oil leakage Use dropcloth when changing the oil in your car Recycle used oil

BMP – Cows and domestic animals Use manure container Don’t overapply manure to fields Increase nitrates

BMP – Lawns and golf courses Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly Don’t use a grass catcher on your lawn –Grass clipping decompose and make a natural fertilizer

Have soil tested – control pH Never dump grass into waterway Don’t fertilize if heavy rain is predicted Don’t mow grass too short Choose plants suited for your area Don’t dispose of clippings or leaves down storm drains

BMP - household Be a smart shopper –Buy biodegradable, recyclable products; multipurpose products; non-aerosol sprays –Reduce contaminants

–Use chemicals properly –Dispose of chemicals properly –Clean up after pets –Use less water –Maintain your septic tank properly

Plant groundcover Don’t litter

Double Bubble Pointnon-Point

Clean Water Act