Watersheds Homework
Due Thursday, April 7
Name __________________________________
Period _________________________________
PART 1:
The area of land that drains into a river system is
known as a watershed. High points in elevation,
ridges and hills, form watershed boundaries by
separating the flow of water into two or more
watersheds. For example: water that falls on top
of a hill may flow down either side of the hill. Water
that flows down one side of a hill will most likely
enter into one watershed while water flowing down
the opposite side of a hill will most likely enter into
a different watershed. The entire areas of land
including mountain tops, hillsides, and valleys
that drain into the river is called a watershed.
What is a watershed?
Part 2: Point and Non-Point Water Pollution
There are two types of human water pollution: point source and non-point source.
Point source pollution happens when chemicals or other contaminants from a single,
identifiable source enter a body of water. The source of this type of pollution is obvious
and can be identified quickly. Point source pollutants are often caused by businesses
and industries that use hazardous materials in manufacturing a product. Farms with
animal waste storage facilities, pesticides, and fertilizers can also be a source of this
type of pollution. The most common point source pollution of groundwater is caused by
solvents, paint, and oil products. In addition to oil and fuel pollutants, surface water is
also often contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fertilizers, and detergents from sites that
do not carefully control their storage or disposal activities.
What is POINT SOURCE POLLUTION?
What are some possible sources of POINT SOURCE POLLUTION?
The second type of water pollution is called non-point source pollution. Non-point
source pollution occurs as water moves across the watershed, picking up natural and
human made pollutants, on its way to surface streams or groundwater. You or
someone you know may be contributing to non-point source water pollution and not
even be aware of it. Have you ever washed a car, fertilized your yard, or owned a dog
or cat? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could possibly be causing
pollution. Soap suds from a car can flow down the street and into a storm drain. The
storm drain eventually leads to a steam or river. Soap suds can be deadly to fish and
other aquatic creatures. Do you have a nice, green yard? Lawn fertilizer can be
washed into a storm drain just like the soap suds. Perhaps you own a pet. Walking
Fido down the street to take care of his business can cause pollution. Be sure to carry
one of those doggie waste bags to properly dispose of your pet’s waste. Animal waste
has harmful bacteria in it.
What is NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION?
What are some of the things that you do that could cause NON-POINT SOURCE water pollution?
Part 3: Researching Issues with Our Watersheds
Directions: Go to the website that corresponds to your seating assignment in class.
Read the information and answer the questions. Be prepared to share your
information with your table partners in class. The links to these websites are located on
the O. Henry 7th grade science webpage. You can also use other sources to learn
about your topic.
A- http://austintexas.gov/article/sterile-asian-grass-carp-be-released-lake-austin-hydrilla-control
B- http://austintexas.gov/department/water-treatment-plant-4
C- http://austintexas.gov/department/scoop-poop
D- http://austintexas.gov/article/city-and-state-address-fecal-bacteria-problems-four-creeks
1. Explain the issue that you read about.
2. Why is this issue important for Austin, Texas?