by Lauren Bove

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 20, 2009

What is the main source of pollution in America's rivers and lakes and how do experts think the problem can be resolved

Pollution. The word aptly brings to mind impurities. Disease. Sickness.

When we speak of pollution regarding our water supply, the ramifications are far reaching and of concern to everyone on Earth. And yet, we have a conflict. Progress. While progress of society is fueled by discoveries in industry and technology, progress almost always means pollution.

Our streams, lakes and rivers, the lifeblood of human civilization since the beginning of time, are fighting to survive in this modern society. But, what can we do to lessen the pollution that we create. How do we mitigate its damage? How do we get rid of it?

Water: the image that comes to mind is of a crystal-clear, sparkling, liquid slipping endlessly across a fertile landscape to our waiting mouths. A spotless spectrum of life flowing perpetually toward each of us. We crave it. We need it. It quenches and sustains us. However, right now pollution from many sources is threatening to harm us all.

Chemicals, biological sources and wastes are seeping into our groundwater, affecting each one of us as, sometimes making us sick, as we take that sip we crave as human beings of the Earth.

Industry uses water. It is crucial to the manufacturing of raw materials and energy. In that process, water picks up pollutants and other impurities. These things threaten our water supply as they make their way through the water treatment process to our kitchen faucet, our empty waiting glass. It is not just industry that does the damage to our water.

Nearly every place in America discharges pollution to Earth's surface waters. From human waste to storm water and the effects of heavy rainfall. It all ends up in the same place; our drinking supply.

The treatment process at plants in every city, remove solid material and chemicals and disinfect to kill disease causing organisms before releasing the water to the receiving waterbody. The pretreatment of waste before the water hits the treatment facilities can recover metals as well as other valuable chemicals, saving industry money and benefiting the health of the aquifers we use everyday.

Unfortunately, the long-term benefits are often lost to corporate executives taking care of their bottom-line, if not their bodies; and this conservation just does not happen.

The manicured green urban and suburban lawn is also a culprit. Looking healthy and vital, the luxuriousness

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