How do rivers become polluted? Objective Students will be able to: • Describe everyday activities that have an effect on the health of a river • Discuss the actions they can take to help prevent pollution. Background This activity demonstrates that we are all part of the problem of pollution. It also shows that protecting the environment is not a one-time event, but requires ongoing changes to our habits. The emphasis in this activity is on non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution is mostly the result of runoff. The source and extent of pollutants from runoff are very difficult t Duration: 60 Minutes.