Notes

Pollution of waterways has harmful effects on the environment, aquatic life, and also human health. There are no good effects of pollution on humans and the environment.


Disadvantages

* Environmental Degradation: Aquatic ecosystems can suffer from water pollution, which can result in an overall decrease in biodiversity, a disruption of food chains, and the loss of natural species' habitats.
* Water Quality: Drinking water quality is severely impacted by water pollution, making it unsafe for human consumption and needing expensive treatment processes.
* Health Risks: People who use polluted water for entertainment reasons or who eat fish and other aquatic organisms that are polluted may be at risk for health problems.
* Eutrophication: Overnutrient runoff can result in eutrophication, which lowers oxygen levels in the water and promotes the growth of algae, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
* Economic Impact: Fishing and tourism can be negatively impacted by water pollution because polluted rivers discourage visitors and limit the variety and quantity of fish that are available for both commercial and recreational fishing.
* Legal Consequences: Farmers who ignore water quality standards may be punished with fines and limitations on their farming operations, among further legal consequences.
* Negative Public Perception: The reputation of farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole could be damaged as a result of water pollution's negative impact on public perception of the sector.
* Long-Term Effects: Water pollution is an ongoing issue because it can have permanent effects on ecosystems and water quality, sometimes irreversible.



New Zealand farmers' pollution of waterways causes a number of important biological issues. Nutrient runoff is a result of farming procedures when fertilizers' excess nitrogen and phosphorus end up in water bodies, harming aquatic life and producing problems like blooms of algal cells. Moreover, farming techniques' contribution to soil erosion leads to sedimentation in waterways, which decreases water quality and affects aquatic ecosystems. There is a risk associated with using pesticides and herbicides in farming since these chemicals can contaminate waterways and harm aquatic habitats and organisms. Livestock feces that are improperly disposed of may spread diseases and dangerous bacteria that can be hazardous to human health as well as aquatic life. Waterways may become dangerous for drinking and recreational use due to this bacterial pollution.