How Do Human Activities Affect Water Quality?

Michelle CarterJames WebbRobert Cody

The Roanoke RiverThe Roanoke River stretches from southern Virginia to northeastern North Carolina, 410 miles long.

It is a major river of the southeastern United States, it drains a largely rural area of the coastal plain from the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains southeast across the Piedmont to Albemarle Sound .

The Roanoke RiverThe Roanoke River became very popular with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. It provided uses for industrial companies like Georgia Pacific and Weyerhaeuser, fisheries, import and export of goods, and also as pass-time for people within in the community.

Industrialization Businesses were booming, revenue was

being generated, but not once did people considered the water quality of the Roanoke River.

Federal Regulations

It was not until the 1970’s the government began monitoring water pollution through the Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972.

ActivitiesResearch a body of water in eastern North Carolina.

Identify the uses of that body of water. For example, does it provide service for industrial companies, is it used for recreational purposes, etc.

Compare its water quality prior to 1970 with the water quality 30 years later.

Analyzed the compiled data. Determine what factors may have contributed to undesirable water qualities prior 1970 and the improved water qualities 30 years later.

Something to Think AboutWhere Do the Sewage Water Go?

When you flush human waste material, toilet paper or other debris. Where does it go? How does it get there?

Clean Up What You Mess Up

Does water ways flow down hill?

Explain how a lift station makes water go up hill.

Recycling Sewage Waste

Describe ways that humans can benefit from recycled waste?