Pollution Assessment and Prevention

Overview
Water pollution occurs when contaminants wash into streams, lakes, wetlands or infiltrates groundwater. Water running off paved surfaces in urban areas often carries oil, heavy metals, pet waste and toxic chemicals from industrial and residential areas into stormdrains and eventually water ways. Agricultural operations can cause fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes to leach into groundwater or enter waterways through irrigation return flows and surface runoff. These sources of "nonpoint" pollution are considered the primary source of water quality problems nation wide, as well as in Alaska.

Desired Outcomes

• Water bodies are assessed and water quality problems are identified
• Empowered residents address and correct water quality problem
• Community members educated in watershed processes are involved in planning processes
• Water quality is protected and improved

Alaska Contacts
Fred Sorensen, Water Quality Coordinator, Anchorage, (907) 786-6311, dffes@uaa.alaska.edu
Bob Gorman, Extension Pesticide Coordinator, Anchorage, (907) 786-6323, ffrfg@uaf.edu

Alaska Publications
GWQ-00548 Protecting Alaska’s Water Resources
GWQ-00947 How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated
PNW 552 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowner’s Guide
PNW 558 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Landowner’s Guide to Riparian Areas
PNW 560 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands
PNW 561 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska: A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas
PNW 562 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska: A Developer’s Guide to Riparian Areas