Question

How can alternative practices reduce human impact on waterways?
short paragraph

Answer 1

Alternative practices — such as conservation tillage, cover crops, riparian buffer restoration, reduced or targeted fertilizer and pesticide use, green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens, permeable pavements), upgraded wastewater treatment, and constructed wetlands — cut runoff, sediment and nutrient loading into rivers and lakes, prevent toxic contamination, and restore natural filtration and habitat. By keeping soil in place, slowing and infiltrating stormwater, and treating or reusing wastewater, these methods improve water quality, protect aquatic life, reduce flooding and help recharge groundwater while maintaining productive land use.