Agricultural runoff significantly impacts water quality by introducing pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments, into water bodies. These contaminants can lead to nutrient pollution, promoting harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. Additionally, chemicals may pose direct risks to human health when they contaminate drinking water sources. Protecting water quality is crucial for ecological health, as it ensures the well-being of aquatic ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Implementing best management practices in agriculture can mitigate these runoff effects, promoting both agricultural sustainability and water protection.