Freshwater Resources and Water Pollution

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering freshwater conservation, definitions of pollutants, and the distinction between point and nonpoint source pollution.

Freshwater Resources

Considered a renewable resource, though supplies are limited, which humans depend on for drinking water, industry, transportation, energy, and waste disposal.

Pollutant

A harmful material that can enter the biosphere.

Point source pollution

Pollution that enters water supplies from a single source, such as a factory or an oil spill.

Nonpoint sources

Pollutant origins that come from many smaller sources, such as grease and oil washed off streets by rain or chemicals released into the air by factories and automobiles.

Industrial and agricultural chemicals

A primary source of water pollution that includes materials such as pesticides.

Residential Sewage

One of the three primary sources of water pollution identified alongside industrial/agricultural chemicals and nonpoint sources.