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What is a catchment?
A catchment is an area, usually bounded by mountain ranges, where the water flows to a common low point. Catchments contain many rivers and streams that carry the water. Poor quality of water in a small stream can affect the water quality of the entire catchment system. This is why we must learn to manage all of our rivers wisely.
A trip by water through the catchment.
As rain water travels through air, it collects small dust particles and atmospheric pollutions, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
When the water reaches the ground, some goes into aquifers while some will go to rivers and streams.
As the water flows downstream, it collects excrement and other organic matter such as nitrates, phosphates, and pathogenic organisms. Soil particles can also be carried if the ground is without vegetation that keeps the soil in place.
Humans can also have effects on the water. Farming, mining and other industries have a vast impact on water quality.
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