Water Cycle Causes

In elementary school, the water cycle is taught. First, bodies of water evaporate water into the sky. Next, clouds form and the rain follows. The rain either soaks into the ground or turns into runoff to fill the streams and ponds. This cycle brings life to the planet. Humans, animals and plants depend on the constant refreshment of moisture. But, as humans have evolved, pollution has contaminated the precious water supply. The causes of pollution are sewage disposal, agriculture production, and oil production. With over seven billion people inhabiting earth, proper sewage disposal is vital. In many underdeveloped and developing countries, their treatment efforts fall short. Raw, untreated sewage is discarded into oceans creating many unsanitary conditions. The polluted water destroys fish population and other wildlife dependant on the ocean. If the pollution
Oil production is also a large source of water pollution. One recent oil pollution incident was the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This massive oil spill flowed for almost three months after the explosion and sinking of the rig in April 2010. The oil slick was so large satellites could see the spread of oil. This water pollution catastrophe caused an extreme rise in death rates in the marine, bird, and wetland species. The beaches, estuaries, and wetlands were covered with a thick oily material. The Deepwater Horizon spill is considered the worst oil spill in history. Many other, smaller spills occur regularly. Wells have leaks that seep into the surrounding soil and water. Underground cavern reservoirs leach through soil to the surface or to water. Water contaminated by oil can not be consumed or used. Animals suffer as the oil coats their bodies making them unable to fly, swim, or breathe. A new worst oil spill could happen at any time. Precautions must be taken to ensure the water quality remains for the