Fresh water as a resource

Pollution from human activity, including oil spills, also presents a problem for freshwater resources. The largest oil spill that has ever occurred in fresh water was caused by a tank ship in Magdalena, on January 15, 1999, polluting the environment, drinkable water, plants and animals.

An important concern for hydrological ecosystems is securing minimum especially preserving and restoring]] Fresh water is an important natural resource necessary for the survival of all ecosystems. The use of water by humans for activities such as irrigation and industrial applications can have adverse impacts on down-stream ecosystems . Chemical contamination of fresh water can also seriously damage eco-systems.

As a result more fresh water is stored in the soil which benefits agriculture. However, since agriculture is the activity that consumes the most fresh water, this can put a severe strain on local freshwater resources resulting in the destruction of local ecosystems. In Australia, over-abstraction of fresh water for intensive activities has caused 33% of the land area to be at risk of salination.