Can you find some sources of pollution in this picture? You may be surprised at what and where you may find pollutants .

Identify the location on the map where you would find these sources of pollution:

1. Feral Animals

Goats, pigs and other domestic animals released into the wild have destroyed ecologically sensitive areas by damaging vegetation and exposing soil to erosion.

2. Agriculture

Runoff can carry sediment, excess fertilizers and pesticides, and animal wastes to Hawaiís streams and ocean. Fertilizers and pesticides can also leach into the groundwater.

3. Forestry

Healthy Hawaiian forests are resistant to erosion. Destruction of these forests by fires and introduction of new species increases erosion.

4. Urban Sources

Urban runoff carries oil, pet waste, soil, garden chemicals, and other toxins into storm drains. Anything spilled in streets or dumped into storm drains is quickly carried to streams, bays, estuaries, and beaches.

5. Construction

Tons of soil, cement and trash are washed from construction sites each year. When this soil is carried to our coastal waters, it can kill coral and create the dirty water often visible in many areas.

6. Food Chain

Pollutants reaching our waters accumulate through the food chain affecting the fish and shellfish we eat.

7. Wetlands

Swampy and marshy areas filter pollutants such as nutrients and sediment before they reach our bays, estuaries, and beach areas.

	Story of the o'opu : Find out why the o'opu was chosen to represent the Clean Water Program.
	Coloring book: Pictures you can print and color.
	Test your Water Quality knowledge.
	Identify the sources of pollution.

Story and pictures are courtesy of the State of Hawaii and the U. S. Environmental Services. Illustration by Dave Thorne.