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Impact of People on Drainage Basins and Catchment Areas - Coggle Diagram
Impact of People on Drainage Basins and Catchment Areas
Pollution
In urban areas. oil from cars and petrol stations is washed off the roads into storm-water drains and into rivers
heavy metals are found in waterways near industrial areas
chemicals from pesticides and herbicides are washed off crops and into groundwater
litter is caught along river bans preventing the free flow of water
Siltation
the accumulation of silt and clay in river water
the river flows into a still body of water. Silting of dams reducing capacity, making less water available for irrigation ans industrial use
the gradient of the river becomes gentler, causing the river to slow down and lose energy
the river flows into the sea. Estuaries quickly become silted up. Silting of estuaries upsets the ecological balance and decreases the diversity of plants and animals that can live in the ecosystem.
Eutrophication
the increase in natural nutrients in the water
brought about by
sewage entering river
laundry water containing detergents with high nitrate concentrations entering river
nitrates and phosphates from fertilisers being washed into rivers
Reduced Water Security
defined as the availability of an acceptable amount and quality of water to support the people's health and availability to earn a living.
will result in
increased cost of water
conflict among water users
Ways to Reduce Impact
encourage better farming practices with better use of fertilisers
introduce afforestation
conservation of wetlands
upgrade and maintain sewage systems
enforce better disposal methods of pollutants
conduct public awareness programmes to enlighten people about the damage they do