What affects the quality of Alberta’s water sources?
Climatic events, such as rain or drought have the largest impact on water quality. Periods of heavy rain or extended drought will affect water quality. Water sources are also affected by land use activities. For example, agricultural operations can cause microbiological or organic contamination through improper management of animal manure, fertilizers and pesticides. Industrial operations with effluent discharges can also challenge source water quality. Municipal development can have an impact if potential contaminant sources, such as municipal wastewater effluent discharges or storm water run-off, are not properly managed. Individuals can negatively impact water sources by improperly disposing of pollutants such as used oil and overusing chemical pesticides and fertilizers on lawns.
Related Questions
- What is the Government of Alberta doing to manage water use by industry to ensure the quantity and quality of our water resources for Albertans now and in the future?
- How will the Water Project help personal water sources quality and quantity concerns?
- What affects the quality of Alberta’s water sources?
