Pollution Assessment and Prevention
Overview
Water
pollution occurs when contaminants wash into streams, lakes, wetlands
or infiltrates groundwater. Water running off paved surfaces in
urban areas often carries oil, heavy metals, pet waste and toxic
chemicals from industrial and residential areas into stormdrains
and eventually water ways. Agricultural operations can cause fertilizers,
pesticides, and animal wastes to leach into groundwater or enter
waterways through irrigation return flows and surface runoff. These
sources of "nonpoint" pollution are considered the primary
source of water quality problems nation wide, as well as in Alaska.
Desired Outcomes
- Water bodies are assessed and water quality problems are identified
- Empowered residents address and correct water quality problem
- Community members educated in watershed processes are involved in planning processes
- Water quality is protected and improved
ALASKA Contact
Fred Sorensen, Water Quality Coordinator, Anchorage, (907) 786-6311, dffes@uaa.alaska.eduBob Gorman, Extension Pesticide Coordinator, Anchorage, (907) 786-6323, ffrfg@uaf.edu
ALASKA Publications
GWQ-00548 Protecting Alaska’s Water Resources
GWQ-00947 How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated
PNW 552 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowner’s Guide
PNW 558 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Landowner’s Guide to Riparian
Areas
PNW 560 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands
PNW 561 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas
PNW 562 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Developer’s Guide to Riparian Areas