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.
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.