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SECTION 1
Where Does Pollution Come From?
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🤔 What is water pollution?
Water pollution is when bad stuff gets into our water. It can make people, animals, and plants sick. Dirty water might look yucky, smell bad, or even look clean but still have germs hiding in it.
Factory Waste
Farm Chemicals
Oil Spills
Litter & Trash
Sewage
Soaps & Cleaners
🗣️ Scout Discussion:
Look at the picture above. How many ways does pollution get into the water? Which one happens most near YOUR home?
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SECTION 2
How Pollution Sneaks Underground
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🌧️ Rain carries pollution down!
When it rains, water soaks into the ground. It can carry bad stuff with it, like farm chemicals and oil. These pollutants sink deeper and deeper until they reach the groundwater. Groundwater is water stored underground in rocks. Many people drink this water, so that is a big problem!
⚠️ The scary part:
Once bad stuff gets into groundwater, it is really hard to clean up. It can take many, many years! That is why we need to stop pollution before it starts.
🗣️ Scout Discussion:
Look at all the layers in the picture. Why does it take so long for pollution to get down there? Why should people with wells care about what happens above ground?
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SECTION 3
How Pollution Hurts Wildlife
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🐠 Fish and water animals
Fish breathe by taking oxygen from water. Polluted water can make fish sick or kill them. Too much fertilizer makes slimy algae grow everywhere. The algae uses up all the oxygen, and fish cannot breathe. This is called a "dead zone."
🦆 Birds and mammals
Ducks, herons, and eagles eat fish from dirty water. The pollution makes them sick too. Oil spills stick to birds' feathers so they cannot fly or stay warm. Turtles and seals get tangled in plastic trash or eat it by mistake.
🌿 Plants and ecosystems
Dirty water hurts plants near rivers and lakes. These plants are homes for many animals. When the plants die, the animals lose their homes too.
😢 A sad fact:
Water pollution hurts over 1 billion people and thousands of animal types around the world. But the good news is we can help stop it!
🗣️ Scout Discussion:
Have you ever seen trash near a pond or river? What animals live near water by your home? What would happen to them if someone threw trash in the water?
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SECTION 4
What YOU Can Do to Help!
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🌟 Be a Water Protector!
Even kids can make a BIG difference! Here are things you can do:
- Never litter! Always use a trash can. If there is no can, hold onto your trash.
- Pick up trash near water. Wear gloves and grab any litter you see near streams or lakes.
- Use less soap. Wash cars on grass so soapy water does not flow to the drain.
- Tell your family! Paint, oil, and batteries should NEVER go down the drain.
- Join a cleanup! Scout groups do stream cleanups. It is fun and helps a lot!
🔵 Storm drains go straight to rivers!
Many people think storm drains clean the water. They do NOT! Water from storm drains goes straight into rivers and oceans with no cleaning at all.
📝 The Scout Water Protection Pledge
Say this with your den:
- "I promise to never litter near water."
- "I will pick up trash when I see it."
- "I will tell others about keeping water clean."
- "I am a Water Protector!"
🗣️ Scout Discussion:
What is one thing you will do THIS WEEK to help keep water clean? Is there a spot near your home where you could pick up trash?