Imagine a wildfire occurs in a watershed that provides drinking water to a community.What is the most likely impact on the drinking water supply?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wildfires can lead to increased erosion in the watershed due to loss of vegetation that previously helped to stabilize slopes and hold soil in place. This can cause an increase in sediment and debris in the water supply, which can decrease water quality and potentially make it unsafe to drink. Option A is incorrect as rapid runoff can cause erosion and sedimentation. Option B is incorrect because while carbon from ash may act as a natural filtration system, it is likely to be overwhelmed by the increased sediment and debris. Option C is incorrect because less debris will not necessarily get into the reservoir, and even if it does, it may still negatively impact water quality. Option D is incorrect because parasites in the water supply are typically not increased due to wildfires.

Imagine a Wildfire Occurs in a Watershed That Provides Drinking