Over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The human body is 75 per cent water. Water is one of the most vital resources for life on Earth. Farmers have a vital role in protecting water quality. As with any resource, pollution can be a major problem. Water pollution is no different. There are many different types and sources of pollutants. When rain or melted snow move over the ground, they pick up and carry away pollutants, which end up in waterways. Agriculture works to prevent this with conservation techniques. But even with preventative measures, water can still become polluted. So, it is important for farmers to do water quality tests. It is also important to understand the importance of water filtration. Filtration is the use of a physical barrier or a chemical and/or biological process that removes the impurities from the water. Just as many people use filtration systems in their homes for their drinking water, farmers use filters to remove pathogens that can cause viruses and sediment that can damage irrigation systems, plants or animals. Your local municipal water treatment plants use filters to remove dissolved particles like dust, parasites, bacteria, viruses and chemicals.