Pollution of lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams from open dumps, improperly disposed of industrial wastes, contaminated rain, temperature, sewage disposal plants, and surface water drainage.
Contamination of streams, lakes, underground water, bays, and oceans by substances harmful to living things. Water pollution is particularly dangerous for living things, all of which require water to survive, either because their bodies contain it or because they live in it. Polluted water can kill large numbers of fish, birds, and other animals, and in some areas, pollution has destroyed entire species. People who drink polluted water can become sick, develop cancer, or give birth to children with birth defects.