Raising livestock and burning trash are two examples of human activities that have an impact on water resources. Select one and construct an argument about whether its effect on water resources is positive or negative.

Answer 1

Burning trash has a negative effect on water resources. When trash is burned, it can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, which can then settle onto land or water surfaces through precipitation. These pollutants can seep into groundwater, polluting it and making it unsafe to drink or use for agriculture. Furthermore, ash from burned trash can block waterways, causing flooding and erosion of riverbanks. These negative effects on water resources can be severe, contaminating entire ecosystems and threatening the health of humans and other living creatures. Therefore, it is important to properly dispose of trash through recycling or safe disposal methods such as incineration at approved facilities, in order to minimize its negative impact on water resources.