The document is a series of questions and answers about protecting waterways. It discusses how rivers flow downhill, why some rivers are dark colored due to tannins, that everyone lives in a watershed, factors that contribute to algae blooms, ways dog owners can help like properly disposing of waste, how trash enters waterways through storm drains, the connection between car leaks and pollution, and provides three easy ways to protect waterways such as maintaining cars and picking up litter. The questions cover various environmental topics related to rivers, watersheds, pollution, and ways for individuals to help.

2. Presented by:
Eileen
Tramontana
Developed with:
Cheryl Bell
Abbott

3. Why does a river flow north?
A. That is where the river flows into the
ocean.
B. It is being pumped.
C. It is flowing downhill
D. It is flowing uphill.

4. The correct answer is C. It is flowing downhill.
The headwaters are at a higher
elevation than the mouth of the
river.

5. You’re correct.
A river flows downhill or from a higher elevation to a
lower elevation.

6. Why are many of the rivers in the
South a dark color?
A. The water is polluted.
B. The soil makes the water appear
to be a dark color.
C. Tannins released from
decomposing plant material
stain the water a dark color, like
a tea bag.
D. None of the above.

7. The correct answer is C. Tannins released from
decomposing plant material stain the water a dark
color, like a tea bag.
It is part of the natural process for tannins to be released
and the rivers are called a dark water system.
In these systems, sunlight is limited in how deeply it can
penetrate through the water. Sunlight is important for
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis helps to place oxygen in
the water and is important for the health of a river.

8. You’re correct.
It is part of the natural process for tannins to be released
and the rivers’ ecosystem and inhabitants are adjusted to
a dark water system.
In these systems, sunlight is limited in how deeply it can
penetrate through the water. Sunlight is important for
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis helps to place oxygen in
the water and is important for the health of a river.

9. Who lives in a watershed?
A. Only those people who live next to a water
body.
B. Everyone
C. People who live within 5 miles of a water
body.
D. None of the above.

10. The correct answer is B.
Everyone lives in a watershed.
A watershed is the land area that
water moves through and drains into
a body of water.
When it rains water runs downhill into
small creeks that run into bigger
streams and then into rivers until it
reaches the ocean.
We all live in a watershed, no
matter where we live. And we
all have an impact on the river.

11. Correct.
When it rains water runs downhill into
small creeks that run into bigger streams
and then into rivers until it reaches the
ocean or a gulf.
We all live in a watershed, no matter
where we live. And we all have an impact
on the waterways.

12. What contributes to algae
blooms in a river?
A. Over fertilizing lawns and landscapes
B. Stormwater draining into waterways
C. Warm temperatures
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

13. The correct answer is D.
All of the above.
In warmer weather, algae blooms can occur.
They are often caused by the overuse or
misuse of fertilizers on landscapes. This
fertilizer and other sources of nutrients run
into our waterways after a rainfall.

14. You’re right.
Everyone needs to be careful to
• Follow label directions when using fertilizers
• Not apply near or along the edges waterways
• Use slow-release fertilizers
• Apply only the amount needed by the plants

15. How can you and your dog help
protect our waterways?
A. Don’t walk your dog near a waterway.
B. Collect the dog’s waste in a plastic bag and
put it in a storm drain.
C. Pick up after your dog and
dispose of the waste properly.
D. All of the above.

16. The correct answer is C. Pick up
after your dog and dispose of the
waste properly.
Proper disposal means placing it in a
trash can not down a storm drain.

17. Right answer.
Remember, proper disposal means
placing it in a trash can not down a
storm drain.

18. What is the most common way
trash enters our waterways?
A. After a rain, trash moves to a storm drain
and empties into a water body.
B. Trash blows out of a trash can or dumpster.
C. Trash is thrown directly into a water body.
D. All of the above

19. That’s not right. The correct answer is A. After a
rain, trash moves to a storm drain and empties
into a water body.
It is important that only rain go down a storm
drain.
• Pick-up any litter you find.
• Never put lawn clippings or used motor oil
down a storm drain.
• All storm drain eventually
lead to our waterways.

20. You’re right.
It is important that only rain go down a storm
drain.
• Pick-up any litter you find.
• Never put lawn clippings or used motor oil down
a storm drain.
• All storm drain eventually lead to our waterways.

21. What is the relationship
between leaky car fluids and a
river otter?
A. Both can be found in the river.
B. Both can be wet and slippery.
C. Both are brown.
D. All of the above

22. Both river otters and leaky car
fluids, such as oil, gasoline, or
The correct answer antifreeze, can be found in our
is D. All of the waterways.
above.
By maintaining our cars properly
and repairing leaks as soon as
possible, we can prevent these
types of pollutants from getting in
our waterways.

23. You’re right.
By maintaining our cars properly and repairing
leaks as soon as possible, we can prevent these
types of pollutants from getting in our waterways.
Everyone plays a part in protecting our river and
waterways.

24. List three easy ways you can
protect our waterways…

25. So, are you smarter than a river
otter?