What term refers to water contaminated by sewage and agricultural waste?

• A. Raw Sewage
• B. Nutrient Runoff
• C. Sewage Runoff
• D. Water Quality Act

Answer: (C)

Sewage runoff describes water that has been polluted by waste carried into water bodies by runoff, such as rainfall or irrigation, mixing human sewage with agricultural waste like manure. This term specifically captures the idea of contaminants entering rivers, lakes, or coastal waters through flowing water from urban and farming sources, often bringing pathogens, organic matter, and nutrients along for the ride. It’s different from raw sewage, which refers to untreated waste itself, and from nutrient runoff, which focuses on nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) rather than the broader mix of contaminants present. The Water Quality Act is policy, not a description of a contaminant.