relationships within the water based ecosystems. Without a conscious effort to

rehabilitate our water systems many rivers and lakes are doomed. We have to look after

this precious resource. Fortunately many new controls and clean up programs have been

Rivers are being devastated due to physical and ecological transformation. This

decrease in the quality of river and water bodies results from human activities and

processes. The ecosystems are changing rapidly. It is necessary to maintain a

consistent balance in these ecosystems. Imbalances are occurring with nutrient levels,

water temperature, water level, and sedimentation. "The stream then carries more

sediment and becomes wider, shallower, and warmer, making the water unfit for many

vital organisms." (Stevens, New York Times, Jan. 26, 1993)

The activities affecting the streams are as diverse as the areas in which streams

are being affected. Dams are capable of destroying total ecosystems. They affect

water levels, and thus affect water temperature.

fish contaminated by toxic chemicals, according to a 1991 National Academy of Sciences

of excess sedimentation over a long period of time. After an area is cleared the

wastes and find alternate means for disposal. We must cut back on emissions. Many

adding to sedimentation. Channeling and diversion can also be found in agriculture and farming practices.

valuable resource. These include saving the headwaters of major rivers, replanting

Donald Charles, "Acid Rain Not Only To Blame," AANature,AA April 29, 93, P. 784

Some common words found in the essay are:
Times Jan, Stevens Jan, Journal Sept-Oct, Science Feb, Nature April, Chesapeake Bay, Harvey Olem, Air Act, AANatureAA April, NewsAA February, 26 93, jan 26, april 29 93, stevens york times, water bodies, water based, rivers streams, water temperature, conscious effort, april 29, jan 26 93, organisms stevens york, river ecosystems, york times jan, 29 93,
Approximate Word count = 1956
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)