How can humans impact the water found in watersheds?

1 Answer
May 3, 2018

There are many ways humans impact watersheds.

Explanation:

There are many ways humans directly and indirectly impact the water in watersheds. A watershed is an area of land where water drains to a single location.

Building dams and rerouting rivers are two examples of ways humans directly impact water in watersheds.

Changes in land cover and land use often affect watersheds and the water in them. For example, industrial agriculture uses many chemicals that run off the surface and pollute watersheds. Deforestation can increase soil erosion, leading to an increase of sediments in waters. Increase

Humans also use water as a resource, drawing from watersheds for our drinking water. This does not have to be a negative impact, as water usage can be monitored so that it is sustainable.

You can read more about watersheds and their importance here.