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:

Question

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

In North Carolina, the rise in agricultural water use has led to increased abstraction from river basins, resulting in lower water levels and potentially detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. This overuse can also contribute to the degradation of water quality, as reduced flow can concentrate pollutants and nutrients from agricultural runoff, harming both aquatic life and drinking water sources. One effective conservation strategy to mitigate these impacts is the implementation of riparian buffer zones, which involve planting vegetation along waterways. These buffers can filter out pollutants before they enter the water, enhance biodiversity, and maintain water levels by reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.