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Human Impact on Rivers

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Human Impact on Rivers

You are advising a regional community on how to care for its river. Read the case study and use the evidence to explain impacts and recommend practical action. Choose the strongest answers and write in complete sentences.

Case study: the Wattle River catchment

The Wattle River flows through farms and a growing regional town in south-eastern Australia. Farmers use water for irrigation and apply fertiliser to crops. After heavy rain, water runs off paddocks, carrying soil and nutrients into the river. Some riverbanks have been cleared for roads and houses, leaving bare soil exposed. In town, stormwater can carry litter, oil and other pollutants from streets into drains that flow to the river. During dry months, irrigation and town water supplies reduce river flow. Local groups have started planting native vegetation along the banks and organising litter clean-ups. They want to protect wildlife while supporting farms and the town.

Investigate the impacts

Use the case study to complete the questions.

1.Which action in the case study is most likely to add nutrients to the river after heavy rain?

Applying fertiliser to crops
Planting native vegetation
Organising a litter clean-up
Using roads to reach the town

2.Explain how clearing riverbank vegetation can increase sediment entering a river.

3.Match each human activity to its most likely river impact.

Street stormwater entering drains
Water extraction in dry months
Clearing plants beside the river
Fertiliser washing off paddocks

Less water remains flowing in the river
Extra nutrients enter the water
Banks become more vulnerable to erosion
Litter and pollutants can reach the river

4.Choose two different pressures described in the case study. For each, describe one possible effect on river habitats or wildlife.

5.True or false: planting native vegetation along riverbanks can help reduce erosion and provide habitat.

TrueFalse

6.Complete the sentence: When too many nutrients enter river water, they can cause excessive growth, which may lower oxygen levels.

Use evidence to make a plan

Good river management considers environmental, social and economic needs.

7.A farmer says, “I need reliable water for my crops, but I also want a healthy river.” Suggest one practical action that could help meet both needs, and explain how.

8.The town can fund only one project this year: restore a cleared riverbank with native plants, or install more bins near the river. Which project would you recommend first, and what evidence from the case study supports your choice?

9.Write a two-step community action plan for the Wattle River. Include one action that reduces pollution or erosion and one way to check whether the plan is working.