What term is used to describe a human-made alteration of the integrity of water?

The term that is used to describe a human-made alteration of the integrity of water is pollution. This involves the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into water bodies, which can result from various activities such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, or improper waste disposal. Pollution can significantly affect water quality, ecosystems, and human health, making it a critical environmental issue.

Discharge refers to the release of water or wastewater from a source, which in itself does not imply that the water is polluted unless the discharge is contaminated. Effluent specifically refers to liquid waste that is discharged into a water body, often from a wastewater treatment plant. While effluent can be a source of pollution, it does not encompass all instances of water integrity alteration. Rainfall is a natural phenomenon and does not pertain to human activities or the alteration of water integrity. Consequently, the most accurate term that captures the essence of human-induced changes to water quality is pollution.