Water Pollution: How Human Activities Have Shaped the XXI Century Water Crisis

Freshwater, being a scarce and valuable resource, is susceptible to contamination, and once polluted, restoration becomes challenging and costly. Consequently, the study of surface water pollution has predominantly focused on streams and lakes. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have developed scientific tools primarily for safeguarding water quality in these segments of the Earth&s;s surface waters. Reservoirs, lakes, and perennial stream flows, crucial for various purposes like water supplies, agriculture, industry, and recreation, are under significant stress, making them prone to contamination. This chapter delves into issues related to surface water pollution.