http://www.eomf.on.ca/media/k2/attachments/Living_By_Water___Module_5___Water_Quality

Module 5:1

Water Quality

Module 5:2

Importance of Clean Water 

Health



Environment



Recreation



Natural beauty

Water Pollution Types of Pollution    

Chemicals Bacteria Sediment Nutrients

Sources of Pollution

Module 5:3

 Industry  Individuals

Surface Water vs Ground Water

Module 5:4



Photo credit: © American Ground Water Trust

Module 5:5

How do Contaminants Get Into the Water?

1.

Directly

2.

Runoff

3.

Wind

4.

Leaching

Module 5:6

What’s Polluting Our Water?

1.

Bacteria

2.

Sediment

3.

Nutrients

4.

Chemicals

1. Bacteria

Module 5:7

Sources: ď ľ Human waste ď ľ Manure, pet & wildlife deposits

Module 5:8

Bacteria: Health Effects 

Stomach cramps



Diarrhea



Kidney failure



Death (in rare cases)

Bacteria: Solutions 1. Proper septic system installation 2. Proper septic system maintenance

Module 5:9

    

Regular inspections Regular pump-outs Reduce input Protect filter bed Improve system when increasing load

Bacteria: Solutions 3. Pick up after pets

Module 5:10

4. Don’t feed the waterfowl

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

2. Sediment

Module 5:11

Sources:

Increased by:



Dirt roads & paths



Removing plants



Gardens & farm fields



Adding hard surfaces



Imported beach sand



Altering the natural



Construction

watercourse

Module 5:12

Sediment: Impacts 

Adds chemicals



Adds nutrients



Clouds the water

Module 5:13

Sediment: Impacts



Poor swimming



Navigation problems

Sediment: Solutions 1.

Maximize vegetation

2.

Cover exposed soil

3.

Module 5:14

4.

Minimize hard surfaces Avoid altering water courses & shorelines

3. Nutrients

Module 5:15

Sources: 

Fertilizers



Detergents & cleaners



Septic system leachate

Photo credit: Washington State Department of Ecology

Module 5:16

Nutrients: Impacts

Nutrients: Solutions

Module 5:17

1.

Use low phosphate detergents and cleaners

Nutrients: Solutions 2.

Module 5:18

3.

Avoid the use of fertilizers Maintain your septic system

4. Chemicals

Module 5:19

Sources:  Household cleaners  Paints & solvents  Gas, oil, antifreeze, break fluid & grease

Module 5:20

Chemicals: Impacts 

Poses health risks to us



Contaminates drinking water



Alters pH balance



Harmful to wildlife and aquatic life

Chemicals: Solutions 1. Alternative cleaners  Non-toxic  All ingredients disclosed  Plant-based  Phosphate & petroleum free

Module 5:21

 Biodegrade quickly

2. Vinegar, baking soda, borax

Chemicals: Solutions 3. Dispose of hazardous waste properly

Module 5:22

4. Maintain cars and boats

Chemicals: Solutions 5. Fill up and repair away from the water

Module 5:23

6. Clean-up spills properly & immediately

Module 5:24

Water Testing

Testing Your Drinking Water ď ľ

Module 5:25

ď ľ

Test for bacteria regularly Test for other contaminants if you suspect a problem

Interpreting Bacterial Test Results

Module 5:26



Only water with a count of 0 Total Coliform and/or 0 E.coli is safe to drink



Sterilize contaminated water



Identify source of problem & fix it



Adopt preventative habits

Testing Your Surface Water Professional tests:  Take samples and send to a lab

Tests you can do yourself:

Module 5:27

   

Photo credit: www.co.snohomish.wa.us/publicwk/swm/lakes

Water clarity Temperature Dissolved oxygen Total phosphorus

Case Study: “Watershed Watch” 





Module 5:28



Mississippi and Rideau Valley watersheds Relies heavily on volunteer monitoring Establishes baseline data Will give an indication of lake health

Module 5:29

Every Little Bit Helps



Take action!



Encourage others



Learn more

Courtesy of: Jennifer Brownlee

Module 5:30

We Can Make a Difference‌Together