Water resources are among the most important natural assets upon which human life and all living organisms depend. They are essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and the maintenance of ecological balance. However, in the modern era, these resources face serious challenges, foremost among them water pollution, which is considered one of the most dangerous environmental problems due to its direct negative impacts on human health, the environment, and sustainable development. Therefore, protecting water resources from pollution has become a shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and governments. Concept of Water Pollution Water pollution refers to any change in the physical, chemical, or biological properties of water that renders it unsuitable for human, agricultural, or industrial use. This pollution results from the introduction of harmful substances into surface or groundwater sources, whether caused by human activities or natural factors. Causes of Water Resource Pollution The causes of water pollution are numerous, most notably the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and seas, leakage of industrial waste containing chemicals and heavy metals, and the excessive use of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers that infiltrate groundwater. In addition, the disposal of solid and plastic waste into water bodies contributes significantly to the worsening of the problem. Effects of Water Pollution Water resource pollution leads to serious consequences, including the spread of diseases and epidemics caused by drinking contaminated water, such as cholera and typhoid. It also results in the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, and negative impacts on agricultural production and food security, in addition to substantial economic losses. Methods of Protecting Water Resources from Pollution Protecting water resources requires the implementation of integrated measures, most importantly the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater before its discharge into water bodies, and the enactment of laws and regulations that criminalize water pollution and impose strict penalties on violators. Furthermore, environmental awareness should be promoted among community members regarding the importance of water conservation and rational use, and the adoption of environmentally friendly modern technologies in agriculture and industry should be encouraged. Role of the Individual and Society Individuals play a key role in protecting water resources from pollution by avoiding the disposal of waste into rivers and seas, using water responsibly, and participating in environmental awareness campaigns. Communities and institutions, on the other hand, are responsible for supporting environmental programs and strengthening cooperation between governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations to achieve effective and sustainable protection of water resources. Duha Ali Al-Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq.