Scenario 1

Contaminated Groundwater in an Agricultural Region

In many rural areas, especially in developing nations, people depend on groundwater for drinking, farming, and animals. For years, farmers have used fertilizers and pesticides to grow more crops. Now, the water is showing high levels of pollution, which is causing people to have to find other sources of clean water.

Which aspect(s) of this scenario are you most concerned about?

Answer Choice	Points	SDG Connection	Description
This issue is affecting rural communities with limited resources.	2	SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, Target 10.2	The rural population is heavily affected by pollution in their water, given limited access to alternative water sources.
	1	SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.4	Limited access to necessities, like water, affects a community’s success, including financial gains.
	1	SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Target 11.1	Access to water is a basic need for all communities.

Food supplies may be interrupted.	2	SDG 2: Zero hunger, Target 2.3	Diminished access to local food sources may mean the demand for food is not met in the community.
Food supplies may be interrupted.	1	SDG 1: No poverty, Target 1.5	The cost of bringing in food from other areas is high, so it is not a feasible option.

Risks to human health from drinking polluted water.	2	SDG 3: Good health and well-being, Target 3.9	Pesticides are toxic to humans.
Risks to human health from drinking polluted water.	1	SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, Target 6.3	Pollutants that are water-soluble can travel easily through groundwater and affect additional populations.

Contaminated water has negative effects on wildlife and natural plants.	2	SDG 15: Life on land, Target 15	Pesticides can kill pollinators, and fertilizers can cause overgrowth of certain plants that change ecosystem populations.
	1	SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, Target 6.6	Some plants will accumulate pollutants they take in, meaning those pollutants can then enter the food chain.

Hazardous chemicals are being used.	2	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.4	Reducing the use of hazardous chemicals is the only way to minimize risks to human and environmental health.

Once pollution spreads through groundwater, it is very hard to treat.	2	SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, Target 6.3	Pollutants can be difficult to filter out of water.
	1	SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Target 11.1	In the absence of a water treatment facility, each household would need equipment for filtering water.
	1	SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, Target 12.4	If pollutants are removed from the water, they need to be disposed of properly so they do not end up back in the environment.