A worker scoops oil from the oil spill site near Dalian Port, Liaoning province, China, July 26, 2010.
Toxic chemicals from industrial processes, such as those used in fracking or in the process of drilling for oil, can leach into our water supply and devastate natural habitats, endanger animals, and taint Earth's lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, and groundwater
Such are the damaging side effects of a highly industrialized world.
Reuters photographers have taken incredible photos of regions around the globe reeling from environmental catastrophes. They've captured oil spills, mines leaching toxic chemicals, and repercussions of shipping accidents.
Here are 20 of the most extreme images of water pollution around the world.