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All Life Depends on Water
Module 3

Rationale | Objectives | Introduction

Introduction
Acknowledgement: Taken from "Living on the Land 2001"

Rationale

Without water, land becomes inhabitable. Water is an essential resource for everyone. It is not enough, however, to have sufficient quantities of water. The water must also be of sufficient quality that it can be used for its intended purpose, whether for human or animal consumption, for irrigation, or to support a population of fish. Water pollution results from the actions of all residents, and it is important for everyone to learn how water becomes polluted and how to prevent further degradation from occurring. (Top)

Objectives

Participants will:

1. Understand the various means by which surface and ground water become contaminated, and will assess their own properties for risk of contamination.
2. Be familiar with water pollution laws and common categories of pollutants, and will identify local sources of pollutants.
3. Implement practices to protect their domestic well water supplies and maintain septic systems.
4. Learn to assess the functioning of their riparian resources and will implement one or more management practices related to water quality improvement. (Top)

 Introduction

This module has three lessons. The first lesson introduces the concept of water quality and basic water law, providing examples of common ways in which water can become polluted and tips on avoiding water pollution. Lesson 2 presents the basics of domestic well water supplies and quality and septic system management, and teaches participants to implement basic wellhead and septic system management strategies. Lesson 3 explains the functions of streams, floodplains, and riparian areas, and how to protect these areas in order to maintain good water quality. 
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3

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