What is a common factor affecting groundwater quality?

Agricultural runoff is a significant factor affecting groundwater quality because it often contains high levels of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in farming. When it rains, these chemicals can wash off the fields and enter nearby water bodies, ultimately making their way into the groundwater supply. Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to nutrient pollution, which can degrade water quality by promoting algae blooms that consume oxygen and release toxins harmful to aquatic life.

Additionally, pesticides can contaminate groundwater, leading to health risks for humans and wildlife who rely on this resource. The presence of these contaminants can result in water that is unsafe for drinking or irrigation, further affecting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

While industrial waste, soil erosion, and natural mineral deposits can also impact groundwater quality, agricultural runoff is particularly pervasive due to the scale of agricultural practices and their widespread presence across many regions, making it a common concern in discussions about water quality management.