Which activity can potentially introduce contaminants into groundwater?

Agricultural runoff and industrial discharges represent significant activities that can introduce contaminants into groundwater. This occurs because, in agricultural settings, the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals can dissolve in rainwater or irrigation, leading to runoff that can enter nearby water bodies, including groundwater aquifers. Similarly, industrial discharges may contain pollutants that seep into the ground, especially if proper containment and treatment measures are not in place. These contaminants can degrade water quality and pose risks to human health and ecosystems.

In contrast, the other activities mentioned, such as reforestation efforts, building parks and green spaces, and reducing paved surfaces, typically promote environmental health and help protect groundwater quality by enhancing filtration and reducing surface runoff. Reforestation generally improves soil and water retention, whereas parks and green spaces can absorb rainwater, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination. Reducing paved surfaces helps prevent stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants into groundwater. Thus, these alternatives serve to support groundwater conservation rather than compromise it.