To protect water sources during camp siting, which is recommended?

• A. Build near water sources
• B. Maintain buffer zones and protect drainage
• C. Drainage is irrelevant
• D. Fill wetlands

Answer: (B)

Protecting water sources during camp siting depends on establishing buffer zones and preserving natural drainage. Buffer zones of vegetation around streams, rivers, and wetlands act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants before they can reach the water. Protecting drainage maintains the natural movement of water, reducing erosion and preventing runoff from carrying contaminants into waterways. Together, these practices minimize risks to drinking water and aquatic ecosystems and support safer, more sustainable camp setups. Building near water sources increases contamination and erosion risk; drainage being irrelevant ignores how runoff moves toward water bodies; filling wetlands removes essential filtration, flood control, and habitat, all of which would harm water quality.