Water

 Water is essential for life. People depend on safe water for their health and livelihood. But contaminated water leads to millions of deaths and even more illnesses every year.

Water pollution is any contamination of water with chemicals or other hazardous substances that are detrimental to human, animal, or plant health.

Possible sources of water contamination are:

• Corroded water pipes that leach harmful chemicals, such as lead
• Hazardous waste sites and industrial discharges
• Pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural operations
• Naturally occurring hazardous chemicals, such as arsenic
• Sewage and food processing waste