Which of the following is the BEST explanation for surface water and groundwater pollution?
a. wells drilled in agricultural, industrial, and residential areas
b. power use from agricultural, industrial, and residential areas
c. runoff from agricultural, industrial, and residential areas
d. drip irrigation from agricultural, industrial, and residential areas
c. runoff from agricultural, industrial, and residential areas
Surface water and groundwater pollution can occur when pollutants from agricultural, industrial, and residential areas are washed away by rain or irrigation and carried into nearby bodies of water. This runoff can contain chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants that can pollute surface water and seep into groundwater, leading to pollution. Wells drilled and power use may contribute to pollution indirectly, but runoff is the most direct source of surface water and groundwater pollution in these areas.