Though necessary for sanitation and food production, many human activities negatively impact the environment. Water is another necessary part of human health and survival; however, these other activities pose a great threat to Earth's water supply. For example, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water can become polluted by Response area, the combination of water and substances draining off nearby land. When Response area and herbicides, chemicals used to grow and protect crops, wash away with water draining from land, harmful runoff is created. These chemicals are cleansed from crops to prepare for human consumption; however, removing these chemicals from water sources is not as simple. Farming has other negative impacts on water sources. When land is altered through grazing and other necessary cultivation practices, large amounts of Response area may wash off into nearby bodies of water, making drinking water treatment even more difficult. Another way humans indirectly contaminate water supply is through the use of Response area. When certain materials break down over time, harmful chemicals are released, which are then absorbed into the Response area. Other toxins, such as household chemicals, absorb into the ground on contact and contaminate even more quickly. Whether landfill items contaminate immediately or after breaking down over a period of time, these materials ultimately pollute Response area. Though landfills, farming, and chemical use is necessary for human survival and health, a balance should be found to ensure a safe water supply.

Answer 1

Though necessary for sanitation and food production, many human activities negatively impact the environment. Water is another necessary part of human health and survival; however, these activities pose a great threat to Earth's water supply. For example, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water can become polluted by runoff, the combination of water and substances draining off nearby land. When pesticides and herbicides, chemicals used to grow and protect crops, wash away with water draining from land, harmful runoff is created. These chemicals are cleansed from crops to prepare for human consumption; however, removing these chemicals from water sources is not as simple. Farming has other negative impacts on water sources. When land is altered through grazing and other necessary cultivation practices, large amounts of soil and sediment may wash off into nearby bodies of water, making drinking water treatment even more difficult. Another way humans indirectly contaminate the water supply is through the use of landfills. When certain materials break down over time, harmful chemicals are released, which are then absorbed into the groundwater. Other toxins, such as household chemicals, absorb into the ground on contact and contaminate even more quickly. Whether landfill items contaminate immediately or after breaking down over a period of time, these materials ultimately pollute water sources. Though landfills, farming, and chemical use are necessary for human survival and health, a balance should be found to ensure a safe water supply.