How can agricultural runoff affect the quality of drinking water?

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Agricultural runoff is a significant concern for water quality, particularly regarding drinking water sources. One of the primary ways agricultural runoff affects drinking water quality is through the introduction of pesticides and fertilizers into the water supply.

When it rains or when irrigation occurs, water can carry excess fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as various pesticides, from agricultural fields into nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater. These substances can lead to several water quality issues. The introduction of high levels of nutrients can result in algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and create dead zones, adversely affecting aquatic life. Furthermore, many pesticides are toxic to both aquatic organisms and humans, and their presence in drinking water poses serious health risks.

Overall, the transfer of these chemicals through runoff compromises the safety and quality of drinking water, leading to potential health hazards for communities relying on that water supply. Such contamination underscores the importance of implementing best management practices in agriculture to minimize runoff and its effects on water quality.

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