Types of Water Pollution

1.) Sewage: Wastewater from household drains.

2.) Pathogens and waterborn diseases: Bacteria. They come from human and animal waste and can cause disease.

3.) Plant Nutrients: Phosphates and nitrates. Sources of these include sewage, feedlosts, paper mills and fertilizers. Plant nutrients can cause etrophication and the blue baby syndrome.

4.) Organic Compounds: Oil, gasoline, detergents and plastics. Sources of these materials include industrial waste, household cleaners and surface runoff. These can cause nervous system damage and can harm fish/wildlife.

5.) Toxic Inorganic Compounds: Lead, arsenic salts and acids. Sources include surface runoff and household cleaners. These compounds can lead to water becoming unusable, skin cancer and brain/nervous damage.

6.) Sediment: Soil and silt. These materials come from the erosion of land. These can cloud water, reduce photosynthesis and can carry pesticides.