Why can leachate threaten groundwater, streams, and lakes?

Leachate is a highly contaminated liquid produced when water, such as runoff, infiltrates landfill refuse and comes into contact with decomposing garbage.1

This liquid poses a significant threat to groundwater, streams, and lakes because it contains pollutants that can cause serious environmental pollution if it escapes the landfill. When leachate migrates into these water sources, it can lead to the contamination of drinking-water supplies, creating substantial public health risks.1

To mitigate these dangers, modern solid-waste management practices employ several protective measures:
* Surface water interception: Preventing runoff from entering the landfill in the first place.1
* Impermeable barriers: Using liners to physically separate waste from the surrounding soil and groundwater.1
* Collection and treatment: Installing systems to capture and process leachate before it can reach the environment.1
* Monitoring: Utilizing groundwater-monitoring wells to detect potential leaks early.1