Water Quality: Making The Connection Between You And The Water
Module 3

Lesson 1- Agenda
Acknowledgement: Taken from "Living on the Land 2001"

Time Section Goal Activity Instructor
5 min Introduction and class agenda

Answer any questions or concerns from the last class

Clearly delineate what will be covered in this lesson.

 

Agenda:

  • What do we mean by "water quality?"
  • How is water quality regulated?
  • What water quality parameters are tested to protect health and habitat?
  • What are some common sources of pollution related to small acreage management?
  • How can I better manage my property to avoid water pollution?

 

Agenda

Depending on number of participants and time between this lesson and the last, an icebreaker may be needed.

PowerPoint slides 1-2

 
10 min Brief history of water quality impairment; define water quality Participants will understand the meaning of "water quality" and how that meaning applies to them and their properties. Present the Cuyahoga River incident as the defining moment leading to legislation to protect water quality; discuss "water quality" for drinking vs. for other beneficial uses. PowerPoint slides 3-6
10 min Review of hydrologic cycle and water movement Clarify connection between surface and ground water supplies; demonstrate effect of urbanization on the hydrologic cycle. Use the "Pass the Jug" game.

"Pass the Jug" game (slide 11)

PowerPoint slides 7-14

 
15 min Clean Water Act, 303(d) list concept, TMDLs and other legislation Provide basic understanding of the provisions of the Clean Water Act and how it varies from other legislation. Use map and sample TMDL listing as an example of pollutants and sources of impairment.

TMDL information sheet

Sample 303(d) listing for Truckee River Watershed

PowerPoint slides 15-22

 
15 min BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
10 min Pollution arising from our everyday activities Participants will identify sources of pollution on their properties. Ask participants to list sources of pollution they see in the cartoon. Participants may list other sources not shown as well. PowerPoint slide 23
30 min Common categories of pollutants and their sources and tips for avoiding those forms of pollution Participants will be able to describe common types of pollutants, pinpoint sources, and list ways to decrease water quality impairment.

Present examples of the following categories of pollution:

  • Nutrients
  • Pathogens
  • Sediment
  • Chemicals
  • Trash
  • Temperature

Ask participants to describe some impaired waterbodies they have seen, and the types of pollutants present

 

Handout on "Major Types of Pollutants in America’s Waterways and Aquifers"

 

 

Handout on "What You Can Do to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution"

PowerPoint slides 24-52

 
10 min What to look for on your property that may impair water quality Participants will be able to go home and determine whether their practices may be contributing to water quality degradation. Review the solutions presented during the previous slides. Ask participants what categories of pollution are shown in the cartoon, and how those sources can be avoided.

Stormwater management and landscaping/site management assessment sheets

PowerPoint slides 53-55

 
5 min Summary, questions and answers

Summarize class.

Answer questions.

 		 Summary

Assign homework

Remind students to bring completed septic system preclass evaluation form to next class

 

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