Rivers and Streams: Lifelines of Our Planet

Discover the crucial role that rivers and streams play in sustaining life on Earth. Learn about the challenges they face and how we can protect these vital water sources.

Protecting Freshwater Resources

Act Now to Save Our Water

Join Southwest Water Advocates in our mission to safeguard the world’s freshwater supply. Your actions today can make a difference for generations to come.

The Global Supply of Freshwater

Rivers and Streams: Vital Freshwater Sources

The Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater is a critical component of the Earth’s freshwater supply, providing essential water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. It is intricately connected to rivers and streams, replenishing them and maintaining their flow.

Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction

Groundwater and surface water are interconnected systems. When groundwater levels drop, it can lead to reduced flow in rivers and streams, impacting ecosystems and water availability.

Protecting Groundwater Resources

To ensure a sustainable freshwater supply, it is vital to protect groundwater from contamination and overuse. Conservation efforts and responsible water management practices are essential.

Pollution in Freshwater Sources

The Impact of Pollution on Rivers and Streams

Freshwater Statistics

Freshwater pollution is a growing concern globally, affecting both ecosystems and human communities. Here are some alarming statistics:

Million miles of Rivers in the United States

Of U.S. Rivers are unsafe for fishing, swimming, drinking

Dams in the United States

Of U.S. Lakes are unsafe for drinking, swimming, or fishing

The United States of America has over 250,000 rivers, with a total of about 3,500,000 miles of rivers. The longest river in the USA is the Missouri River (it is a tributary of the Mississippi River and is 2,540 miles long), but the biggest in terms of water volume is the deeper Mississippi River. The longest undammed river in the contiguous USA is the Yellowstone River (it is 692 miles long).

Rivers provide drinking water, irrigation water, transportation, electrical power, drainage, food, and recreation. Rivers also erode land and carry it downstream to the sea. This kind of erosion can even form canyons, like the Grand Canyon, and waterfalls, like Niagara Falls.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say the most vulnerable people to water pollution pregnant women, young children and infants, the elderly, and anyone who is immunocompromised.

 

Effective Water Management Practices

Riparian Buffers

Vegetated areas along rivers and streams that help filter pollutants before they enter the water.

Sustainable Agriculture

Practices that reduce runoff of pesticides and fertilizers into freshwater sources.

Wastewater Treatment

Advanced treatment facilities that remove contaminants from sewage and industrial effluents.

Public Education

Programs that inform communities about the importance of protecting water resources.

Legislation and Policy

Enforcing laws and regulations that limit pollution and promote sustainable water use.

Water Recycling

Technologies that treat and reuse wastewater for various purposes, reducing the demand on freshwater sources.

Protect Our Water Resources

Become a part of the Southwest Water Advocates and help us safeguard our vital water resources. Your support is crucial in our efforts to promote sustainable water policies, educate the community, and innovate in water recycling technology. Together, we can make a significant impact on preserving our freshwater supplies for future generations.