Orgalla Aquifer - Water cycle

Question 1

Why is the pollution of aquifers in the USA a growing problem?

Answer 1

• In California’s Silicon Valley, electronic industries store their waste solvents in tanks
  underground.
• When local water authorities conducted an inspection they found 85% of tanks were leaking.
• 60% of the US’s liquid hazardous waste is injected directly into the ground, including
  solvents, heavy metals and radioactive material.
• Even though waste is injected deep below drinking water sources, the waste has leaked and
  entered aquifers affecting many states including Florida, Texas, Ohio and Oklahoma.
• It puts the Ogallala aquifer at risk.