What is Freshwater?

Freshwater is natural water that does NOT contain too much salt. Plants, animals, and even humans depend on it to survive. 

Lakes, Rivers, Ponds, and Wetlands have freshwater. 

What is a Riparian Zone?

Riparian Zones are lands that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies which are shaped by water. 

Why are they important?

They provide habitat for wildlife and shade streams, reducing temperature for fish. 

They help maintain water quality by filtering runoff water.

The vegetation prevents erosion and slow down water flow from floodwaters. 

What is Freshwater Pollution?

It is when harmful chemicals or microorganisms contaminate bodies of water. Which negatively affects humans and the environment.

It is when harmful chemicals contaminate bodies of water, affecting humans and the environment.

Pesticides used in agriculture can pollute water.

Fertilizers used in agriculture can also pollute the water.

When Animal waste enters the water sources it contaminates it.

Solutions for Agriculture Pollution:

Reduce fertilizing applications, plant tees and grasses near the edges to absorb nutrients before they reach the water, and treat waste water. 

Sediment Pollution from mining, poor cultivating, and clear-cutting can alter habitats and affect fish. 

Help!

Clear-cutting is when trees are removed from the area. 

Trees release moisture and create clouds which can bring rain. 

Solutions for sediment pollution: 

Better management of forests and farms, and reclamation of land after mining. 

What is Marine Water?

Marine Water, also known as oceans and seas, it is water that has a lot of salt. 

97% of the earth's water comes from oceans!

 There is more salt water than there is freshwater. 

Why are oceans important?

It removes carbon from the atmosphere and it provides oxygen. 

It also absorbs extra heat and it keeps the earth from getting to hot.