Question

In North Carolina, demand for fresh water has increased dramatically. One of the main reasons for this is increased water use for agriculture. Respond to the following in 3–5 sentences and like a student: Relate one effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins. Relate one conservation strategy that would reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality.

Answer 1

One effect of agricultural water use on North Carolina's river basins is an increase in nutrient runoff, leading to water pollution and algal blooms. One conservation strategy to reduce the effect of agricultural practices on water quality is implementing riparian buffers along streams and rivers. Riparian buffers help filter out pollutants from agricultural runoff before they enter the waterways, ultimately improving water quality in the river basins.